In a turbulent job market, especially following widespread layoffs across the D.C. area due to recent federal cuts under the Trump administration, many professionals are facing the harsh realities of Career Pivot. One of them is Dina Scippa, a former international development specialist with over two decades of experience at USAID, who saw her long-standing role abruptly end when her contract was Job rejection .
“The moment we were told our contract was ending, it felt like a piece of our purpose had been torn away,” she recalled. For Scippa, like thousands of others, the emotional impact of job loss and unanswered applications can lead to a profound crisis of confidence. As a leadership coach, she has shifted her focus to helping others regain their footing and rediscover their professional value during times of transition.
Scippa describes each ignored application or Job rejection as a personal reckoning. “You are more than a ghosted application,” she reminds those struggling. “You are more than people not getting back to you. And you are certainly more than a job being ripped away that was never your fault.”
Confidence Gaps and the Hidden Barriers They Create Career Pivot
One of the most significant challenges job seekers face is the internal narrative that often discourages them from applying at all. According to Scippa, this confidence gap prevents many qualified individuals from pursuing new opportunities, especially in unfamiliar sectors.
“I’ve spoken to so many people who talk themselves out of applying for jobs because they don’t think they’ll get a second look,” she explained. This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal. A Harvard Business School study from the previous year found that women, in particular, often refrain from applying for high-level roles due to concerns about not meeting every qualification. Men, conversely, are more likely to apply even when they don’t meet all the criteria.
Scippa emphasizes the importance of challenging this mindset. “Your self-talk shapes your job search. If you tell yourself you’re not qualified, you’ve already counted yourself out before even applying.”
Rebuilding Confidence and Taking Action with Career Pivot
To combat job search fatigue and self-doubt, Scippa shares several actionable strategies to help individuals stay motivated and emotionally resilient. She encourages job seekers to:
1. Stay connected:
Avoid isolation by networking, spending time with friends, and volunteering. Engaging with others helps maintain perspective and a sense of purpose.
2. Create structure:
Set a routine that includes achievable daily goals, which can provide a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
3. Practice joy:
Incorporate uplifting activities like exercise, music, or time outdoors into your day to maintain emotional balance.
Celebrate wins:
Acknowledge even the small victories in your job search and remind yourself of your achievements.
In addition to emotional strategies, Scippa suggests turning to recruiting agencies and utilizing local resources like libraries or community centers to strengthen one’s job search approach. Most importantly, she urges people to reflect on their careers and recognize the lasting value of their contributions.
“Even if the job has gone away,” Scippa said, “the work you did and the impact you made doesn’t disappear.”
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