Welcome back to Lunch Break, a weekly newsletter to help you create a work life that works for you. Brought to you by the Pivot With Purpose framework.
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The last week of the month is dedicated to answering your burning career questions- from coworker drama to culture battles to the everyday existential crises. Nothing’s off-limits, so let’s dive right in.
✨ “I want to move out of the States and find a job in Europe (Sweden, specifically)! Do I go to the EU first and then find a job? Or find something before I make the move?” - Lindsay
Ah yes. I, too, would like to get out of the States, Lindsay! 😅
If you don’t have a European passport, there are two routes I recommend. One’s a more secure option, and the other is a little riskier, but could be more fun:
More Secure Option: Job search from the States and be upfront about the fact that you’ll require visa sponsorship from your Swedish employer. You never know how long the search will take, so hunting from home, where all other variables are known and familiar, can make the process more sustainable. As always, I suggest starting with strategic networking. Find anyone you know who currently works in Sweden or has ties to Swedish business and ask for their support in connecting with opportunities you’re curious about. Then, make sure you’re accounting for any EU-specific CV/application best practices when you’re ready to hit “submit.”
Less Secure Option: Get a residence permit (Swedish tourist visa for a stay longer than 90 days), find a long-term Airbnb, and search from Sweden. The pro’s here are on-the-ground networking, potential to set up in-person interviews, and head start on cultural acclimation. The downside? No guarantee that you’ll find a gig as quickly as you need to and potential heartbreak if you fall in love with the country but need to leave.
✨ “How should I approach making a career pivot now, knowing that I want to take time off to start a family later on?” -Clarissa
Doesn’t the saying go, “It is better to have done meaningful work for a limited time, than never to have done it at all?” Wait, maybe not, but that’s what I say!
I say: Why not make the intentional pivot now with one eye on what you have to gain in the near-term, and the other eye on the further-out future?
Move into something now that you’re excited about, something that will help you grow, something that will push you to unlock your potential. And enjoy it. Enjoy it while you’re in it.
Then, when the time comes that you choose to prioritize starting a family, move into that stage just as intentionally. And remember that you have permission to pivot once again later on. You have permission to prioritize your career again in the even-further-out future.
Who knows– you might find yourself pivoting into a career that allows for a style of family planning that you’d never imagined. When contemplating situations where the outcomes seem blurry, I’ve recently started asking myself, “What’s the best that could happen?”
So, Clarissa, what’s the best that could happen if you pivot into something you’re passionate about now, and trust that you’ll make the best decision for you in the future?
✨ “I feel like I’m doing everything I can to find a better job, but I’m not making any progress. Help?” -Matt
When it feels like you’re spinning your wheels yet staying in place, it’s probably time to zoom out. Here’s a quick exercise I learned from my own mentor to help me regain perspective.
It’s called The Circle of Control:
Draw one circle in the center of a sheet of paper, and label it “I Can Control.” Inside of this circle, write down everything about your job search that is within your control. Like, everything.
Then, draw a larger circle around the first, and label this one “I Cannot Control.” Now- you guessed it- write down everything that is out of your control when you’re job searching.
This exercise forces you to think critically about whether or not you’re pulling all the levers at your disposal, or if you’re frustrated by life just being… life. Here, I’ve started it off for you:
Got a Q you want answered in next month’s Career Therapy? Respond to this email or send me a DM!
Janel Abrahami, Founder
📲 Screenshot & share your favorite part of this issue and tag @janelabrahami and @lunchbreak.letter
🍱 IN THE LUNCHBOX (curated recommendations)
PROTEST: Roe v Wade Overturn Protests Near You
Shit’s dark right now. There are no words to make things feel better. So, use your voice to demand change instead, at a Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights rally near you in the coming weeks. Also: Ask your employer if they’ll match any donations you make to abortion funds.
CHILL: VYBES Stress Sticks
Stress? In 2022? Groundbreaking. While I love VYBES flavored adaptogen beverages, these flavorless sachets pack 25mg of plant-derived CBD and can be quickly dissolved into any hot or cold drinks! Stress-free PTO, sorted.
ORGANIZE: Calpak Tech Organizer
Adding the most unnecessary stress to my hybrid work routine? Trying to remember all of the tech gadgets, cords, and accessories I may need in the coworking space or coffee shop. Calpak’s tech organizer is a go-to home for all my accouterments.
🍿 SNICKY-SNACKS (more from Janel + team)
Think you can’t land a better job in a down economy? Lauren and Emma said, “Watch us.”
We’re crowdsourcing a growing list of companies that support abortion rights
Liz felt like she had all of the puzzle pieces, but no clue how to put them together…
📌 COOL JOB
Title: Virtual Visit Coordinator (full-time role with benefits)
Company: carafem
Location: Fully remote
Description: carafem is a non-profit health center in the Washington, DC metro area that is dedicated to promoting family planning, reproductive and sexual healthcare. They offer caring, compassionate and confidential support for sexual, reproductive and family planning needs.
*Note: To be eligible for this role, you need to live in a safe state (where abortion is least likely to become illegal). Some background/experience in the medical field, particularly women's health and abortion care is preferred but not required.
Learn more about the role here
Want to support this movement?
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☕ If you’re feeling super generous, you can buy the team a coffee!
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💡 Career Therapy: Working Abroad, Starting a Family, and Running out of Steam