Rejections. Uncertainty. What Now?

Navigating Change is Hard—But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Hi, everyone!

Let’s be real – we’re living through a moment of major uncertainty. Layoffs are rocking multiple industries. AI disruption continues to loom over us. We’re in a rocky economy and there is increasing fear of a possible recession. For many of us, the path forward looks murky.

A few years ago, I faced a similar period of personal uncertainty in my own career. I had found myself in a work environment that no longer aligned with my values and was deeply affecting my mental health. Walking away—without a plan—was terrifying. But in that uncertainty, I was forced to get radically honest with myself. What did I truly want? Work that energized me. Mission-driven and values-aligned people who inspired me. A career that felt deeply aligned. That clarity led me to take a leap I never imagined: launching my own startup consulting firm, NextStep. It was scary and full of unknowns, but it was the start of a brand new chapter in my career. And one of the very first people who took a chance on me? Lexy Franklin of Sidebar. This past week, I just celebrated two incredible years with Sidebar. 🙌

I’m not sharing this because I have all the answers—far from it. We’re in one of the toughest job markets in decades. Many of us are navigating job searches, rejections, and the sting of hearing “We went with someone else” for the third (or tenth) time. We’re wrestling with shifting identities, questioning our next move, and grappling with that persistent voice in our heads asking, “What now?”

But here’s what I do believe: we have more agency than we think. We may not control the circumstances surrounding us, but we can control how we respond. We can choose the people we surround ourselves with. We can invest in relationships, reach out for help (or offer it), and take bold, intentional steps forward—even if we don’t have everything figured out.

What I learned during my career transition was that sometimes it’s those intentional steps that can really set things in motion. So if you’re at a crossroads right now, consider asking yourself, “What’s one bold step I can take today that sets the odds just a little more in my favor?” What are you immersing yourself in? What projects are you taking on? Who are the people who can support your goals, or even just help you see things differently?

This is where Sidebar comes in. We’re not meant to navigate uncertainty alone. We’re fortunate to have a community full of people who are in the trenches, taking leaps, and supporting each other along the way. Whether it’s your peer circle, a Supper Club, a Talk to an Expert session, a one-on-one coffee, an Affinity Group, or our upcoming Sidebar Summit, there are so many ways to tap into the power of this network. I hope you’ll use this space as a resource, whether to seek advice or share your story. You never know who might relate, or what doors that moment of connection might open.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. And it’s okay to feel tired and frustrated. But don’t count yourself out. You do have a next step—whatever that looks like for you. And thanks to this incredible community, you don’t have to take it alone.

Cheers,
Ha Nguyen
Chief Evangelist & Head of Community

Sidebar Members Akshaya Murali and Subha Shetty are soaring to new heights!
They'll be at our inaugural Sidebar Summit April 23 & 24. Will you?
LAST CALL to Sign-up! Use code: TAKEFLIGHT25

Sidebar Supper club hosted by Nico Posner.
Members discussed various AI tools to increase personal and business productivity over a delicious dinner
Email: community@teamsidebar.com to host a gathering in your city!