In a world where job security is increasingly elusive, even after decades of dedicated service to major organizations, we both faced the unexpected – layoffs. This talk will explore our personal journeys through the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty, rejection, and reinvention, shedding light on the feelings, experiments, and failures we encountered along the way. Despite the challenges, our stories culminate in new roles that reignited our purpose and passion. Together, we’ll discuss how these experiences shaped our deeper commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges. 

The Agile community, like many industries, has felt the strain of these turbulent times. Many experienced professionals face job insecurity, career stagnation, and confusion. In this talk, we will share the practical steps we each took to continue our careers, pivot effectively, and ultimately emerge stronger. Additionally, we’ll share career paths and patterns we’ve observed in delivery roles and explore adjacent roles that you might consider as part of your own career journey.

Beyond career pivots, we’ll highlight how these concepts and activities can help you build strong support systems and a network now—resources that you can leverage not only in your current role but also if you ever face a career transition or layoff. We’ll also provide practical tips for navigating the competitive job market and structuring a job search. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty now or preparing for the future, you’ll leave this session with actionable strategies, renewed confidence, and the inspiration to turn challenges into opportunities.