Career Transitions That Protect Your Mental Health: Keys to Fulfillment, Courageous Manager Conversations, and Job-Search Mindset with Michelle Schafer

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Michelle Schafer—a two-time restructuring survivor and career coach—to break down a practical playbook for navigating career transitions without burning out. We cover Michelle’s three keys to career fulfillment (work that gives you energy, aligned company values, and non-negotiables), how to initiate effective career-development talks with your manager (even if support feels low), and realistic strategies to stabilize your mindset in a tough job market. If you’re facing layoffs, quiet quitting, or decision fatigue, this episode gives you actionable, mental-health-aware steps you can use today.

About the guest :

Michelle Schafer is a career coach with 25+ years across HR, L&D, and community engagement. A two-time restructuring survivor, she’s coached nearly 1,000 professionals to pivot into work they actually want, and she’s the author of the upcoming Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose (Feb 2025).

Key takeaways:

• The 3 keys to fulfillment: prioritize work that energizes you, company values that match yours (as demonstrated, not just stated), and personal non-negotiables like location flexibility.

• Energy is data: consistent end-of-day exhaustion signals misalignment—use it as an early warning to course-correct rather than push harder.

• Values in practice: assess how an organization shows its values with employees, customers, and partners; misalignment drives tension and disengagement.

• Own your growth: don’t wait for annual reviews—book a 30-minute, stand-alone career conversation with an agenda (what you love, what drains you, where you want to grow, the support you need).

• When leadership isn’t supportive:network internally (coffee chats, org charts, warm intros) and treat resistance as a values signal that it may be time to transition.

• Quiet quitting/quiet cracking: disengagement is a red flag for both employee and organization; psychologically safe dialogue can re-engage—or confirm it’s time to move.

• Mindset in hard markets: job loss impacts mental health; separate hope from “toxic positivity.” Pair supportive self-talk with action (80% networking, 20% applying).

• The “Something Plan”: when stuck, do five minutes of something (walk, sunlight, read) to rebuild momentum.

• Take short, intentional breaks from the search and commit to a restart date to avoid losing traction.

How to connect with the guest :

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

• Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

• Free offer #1: A free chapter from Michelle's book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

• Order her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

• Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/

• Email her here: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca

• Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with Michelle here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

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