Passive or Proactive: The Decision is Yours
Career shifts can be exciting, nerve-wracking, or downright unexpected. Some professionals seek a new chapter—one with more independence and work-life balance. Others find themselves forced into change through layoffs or industry disruptions.
Regardless of how you got here, the most important question is: How will you respond?
When faced with uncertainty, it’s easy to freeze. But taking control of your future starts with action. Here’s how you can move forward with clarity and confidence:
Step 1: Cultivate Optimism Without Expectation
It’s easy to feel defeated when your career takes an unexpected turn. Layoffs, industry downturns, or feeling undervalued can shake your confidence. But a forward-thinking mindset will serve you far better than self-pity.
Ways to stay positive & resilient:
- Develop a strong internal dialogue with affirmations like, “I am in control of my next move.”
- Make gratitude a habit—acknowledge what’s going well, even in uncertain times.
- Prioritize wellness: movement, nutrition, and sleep are game-changers for mental clarity.
- List out your strengths and achievements—remind yourself of the value you bring.
That said, optimism isn’t the same as entitlement. No one is guaranteed success, but those who pursue it with dedication and humility position themselves to win.
Step 2: Gather Knowledge & Explore Options
When I was in a career transition, I didn’t just take a leap of faith—I armed myself with information. I read, listened, researched, and connected with others who had successfully navigated similar changes.
Here’s how you can do the same:
- Investigate different career pathways, from franchising to consulting to business ownership.
- Seek insights from those who have successfully pivoted.
- Check out my Learning Center, where I share blogs, videos, and book recommendations to help you make educated decisions.
Step 3: Set Achievable Milestones
Having confidence is great—but strategy is key. Whether you’re pursuing entrepreneurship, franchising, or a career pivot, setting clear and realistic expectations will prevent unnecessary setbacks.
Key steps to setting yourself up for success:
- If you’ve been laid off, acknowledge the emotional impact—give yourself space to process.
- Understand timelines: A new business, franchise, or career doesn’t yield instant success.
- Do your homework—know the financial, operational, and commitment levels required.
For those considering franchising, I’ve shared insights on:
- How long it really takes to launch a franchise (and ways to streamline the process)
- How to fund your business & cover expenses during early growth
- The must-know steps for starting strong as a franchise owner
Step 4: Build a Blueprint for Success
“Hope is not a strategy.” To maximize your chances of success, you need a structured plan to navigate this next phase.
- Financial Roadmap: How will you fund your business or bridge income gaps while transitioning?
- Operational Game Plan: If franchising, do you understand the systems and processes for growth?
- Marketing & Customer Strategy: How will you attract and retain your ideal clients?
- Team Development Approach: When and how will you expand your workforce for scalability?
By now, I hope you see that your transition is an opportunity—not an obstacle.
Ready to Explore Franchising? Let's Connect!
Mack and Sharon Strange are on a mission as Franchise Consultants to help others go from “Start” to “Success” when it comes to franchise ownership.
If you’re curious about exploring franchising as a career pivot, investment vehicle or lucrative side hustle, let’s talk!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I book a call?
A: You can book a free, no obligation call with Mack here and/or a free call with Sharon here.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: As Franchise Consultants, there’s no fee for our services. We’re compensated by franchisors only if and when you decide to move forward with (and are approved for) franchise ownership.
Q: What do you do?
A: Our role is to serve as a trusted guide and educational resource.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: You can learn more about our story and how YOU can follow in our footsteps via the Franchise Together Podcast.
We look forward to connecting with you soon
