Managing Career Uncertainty After Completing an LLM

More often than not, people who change jobs later admit they did it too early. They moved not because they had clarity, but because they were uncomfortable with not knowing. That discomfort is costing people their best career moves. If you feel restless at work but cannot yet articulate what you want instead, that is not a weakness. It may be the most strategically useful phase of your career. Here’s how to use it well: 1. Treat uncertainty as an expansion, not a gap When you stop forcing yourself to name the next role, you give your thinking room to widen. Instead of asking what job you want, ask where you have done your best work before and under what conditions. Patterns emerge when pressure lifts. 2. Learn to separate signals from fear Ambiguity makes everything louder, especially anxiety. Fear pushes you toward familiar roles that look good on paper. Curiosity shows up quietly in the work you lose track of time doing. One leads to safety. The other leads to direction. 3. Build your future around skills, not titles Titles lock you into narrow paths. Skills travel. Inventory what you are genuinely good at and where those capabilities could matter in different contexts. Then identify one or two skills worth deepening before you decide anything else. 4. Replace purpose statements with purposeful days Purpose rarely appears as a single sentence. It shows up in how you allocate your time, who you help consistently, and what you choose not to pursue. Alignment comes from daily decisions, not grand declarations. Career clarity is often iterative and occasionally messy. Rushing to resolve uncertainty usually trades short-term relief for long-term regret. If you are between chapters, resist the urge to force an answer. The uncertainty is not something to escape. It’s information worth listening to.

Contract ending. No clarity. And silence feels louder than answers. When a contract is nearing completion and no one mentions an extension, most professionals go into wait mode. They assume performance will “speak for itself.” It doesn’t. Silence at this stage is rarely about your capability. It’s usually about budgets, headcount planning, or decision inertia. Waiting quietly puts your future in someone else’s hands. ⭐ Here’s the stronger, smarter way to handle contract uncertainty: 1️⃣ Reframe the conversation from “extension” to “business continuity” Instead of asking “Will my contract be extended?”, anchor the discussion on ongoing outcomes: “Given the upcoming milestones in Q2, how are you planning continuity on this role?” This shifts the focus from you to the work that still needs to be done. 2️⃣ Quantify impact before you ask for clarity Go in with evidence, not emotion: – Projects delivered – Revenue/cost/time impact – Problems you reduced or ownership you took Decision-makers extend value—not effort. 3️⃣ Ask for timelines, not reassurance Avoid vague questions like “Any update?” Use clarity-driven lines: “By when should I expect a decision on contract planning so I can align my next commitments?” This forces structure into an unstructured situation. 4️⃣ Position flexibility as leverage, not desperation Show optionality: “If scope or timelines need adjustment for extension, I’m open to discussing models that work for the team.” You stay collaborative without weakening your position. 5️⃣ Set a personal decision deadline If clarity doesn’t come after a direct conversation, that is your answer. Start parallel job conversations quietly and professionally. A contract ending is not a threat. Unmanaged ambiguity is. The right extension conversation doesn’t beg for security—it demands clarity through value. DM me “60 DAYS”. #ContractJobs #CareerClarity #CareerStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #JobSecurity #CareerCoaching

This quote by Oscar Wilde challenges everything we think about career certainty: "If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment. If you never know what you want to be, if you live what some might call the dynamic life but what I will call the artistic life, if each day you are unsure of who you are and what you know you will never become anything, and that is your reward." I’ve seen firsthand how the relentless pursuit of certainty can actually limit growth. Wilde suggests something counterintuitive: that uncertainty might be a reward rather than a weakness. Research also backs this up: Leaders who frequently ask questions and challenge assumptions are 2.5 times more likely to be high-performing! The most innovative leaders I coach are the ones who are curious, embrace the “not knowing”, and continuously reinvent themselves. The beginner’s mind exercise: 1. Block 30 minutes this week for "structured uncertainty" 2. Ask yourself: "If I were new to my role/industry today, what would I question?" 3. List 3-5 core assumptions about your leadership that might be limiting you 4. For each assumption, write one experiment that challenges it 5. Commit to running at least one experiment next week The goal isn't to abandon your expertise, but to balance it with the freshness that comes from embracing uncertainty! What if your greatest asset isn't your certainty, but rather your willingness to question it? What assumptions about your leadership identity are you ready to challenge? #LeadershipGrowth #EmbraceUncertainty #AdaptiveLeadership

I finally got AI to give me career advice that's as good as a $500/hr career coach. The secret is all in the specificity of your prompt. Forget vague "career clarity" questions or rambling about your "skills and passions." Instead, focus on what you'd realistically ask a top-tier coach: Here’s the exact AI prompt that delivers exceptional, actionable career direction: [BEGIN PROMPT] I'm currently working as [current job title or short description], and feeling stuck because [briefly describe specific frustrations or confusion, e.g., “my current role feels stagnant,” “I don't know if I should change industries,” or “I’m not sure how to move into management.”] Given this context, provide detailed advice on the following: REALISTIC TARGET ROLES - Suggest specific, realistic roles I should consider. - Include 2-3 non-obvious or slightly unconventional career options I might overlook but could realistically pivot into. - For each role, briefly explain why I'm a viable candidate. WHICH OPTIONS TO AVOID - Identify common career moves or roles that might initially look appealing given my background, but usually end up being poor choices or dead ends. Tell me where I am getting disillusioned. - Provide clear explanations or examples of why each identified role or path isn't ideal based on real-world data. BEST INDUSTRIES FOR ME (BACKED BY DATA) - Identify growing or stable industries that fit me. - Consider how AI & LLMs might impact my current and future industries when giving recommendations - Provide specific industry data that clearly indicate these trends (e.g., recent economic forecasts, etc). SALARY & EARNING POTENTIAL - Provide realistic salary ranges for the suggested roles, tailored to my location/experience level. - Identify specific strategies I can take to position myself for higher compensation (such as certifications, targeted networking, or specific skills). CLEAR, ACTIONABLE NEXT STEPS - Outline immediate, practical actions I should take this month to validate each suggested career path (e.g., conversations with people already in those roles, specific short courses, side projects). - Recommend how to quickly test if a potential career move is right for me without major investment or risk. - Summarize the top three career paths you recommend with realistic steps to take this month - Compare all options, including exploring alternative paths within my current industry or role. - Be blunt about the risk appetite for each option and the timeline Ask any follow up or clarifying questions from me if you think that would help clarify your answers further. [END PROMPT] Tip: Please use o3 as the model (NOT 4o)! -- If you're here, you're a smart guy/gal who wants a great career. If so, you'll LOVE my weekly email at coached.com. I write career strategy essays AND incredible AI prompts that will help you crush your career Oh, and if you're new — follow me Rohan Mahtani. I help ambitious people get the careers they deserve (free!)✌️

To every incoming LLM student who has reached out to me in the past few months about job market, opportunities and other prospects, here’s my advice: 1. It is going to be difficult, especially with all the changes in H1B. It is now a wage based system - level 4 wage, more chance in lottery, level 1 wage - 1 chance in lottery! Read up about it online. Wage levels are also linked to the job you do. 2. If you are coming with the hope of getting a job right after graduation then start work before you come. Create your network today and stay in touch - this gives you a year before you need to start a job on OPT. Don’t ask for a job while networking. The entire idea of networking is that you are able to meet attorneys who have established themselves and can guide you. If there’s an opening, they will let you know or you can request them to keep you in mind for any such openings. 3. While studying, try to keep your grades in top 5% of class, be involved in journals and other campus activities that can help further your career. Sometimes, excellent grades have helped obtain a job as you could get references from your professors. If you’re coming in with no prior work experience, it will be difficult to get entry level jobs - most placements are a year in advance done for incoming associates. 4. Don’t come only relying on H1B as your visa post OPT. Look into other options such as J1, L1, O1 etc. Be your own immigration attorney. You need to know about every visa that could apply to you and educate your employer about it if you get a job offer. 5. Day 1 CPT- this has been under scrutiny. Don’t keep this as an option since this could change at any given time. Further, if you have any education loans to pay off, CPT could add further financial burden if you fail to find a job. Hope this helps!

I want to share how I navigated my career uncertainty. Here's a simple 5-step process I think you'll find valuable: 1. Start with self-discovery. - Reflect on what energizes you. - What work makes time fly for you? These insights are crucial. 2. Complete assessments. - Leadership and personality assessments can be eye-opening. 3. Network conversations. - Reach out and connect with individuals who have taken similar career paths. Their experiences can guide and inspire your own understanding. 4. Explore beyond your degree. - Understand that your degree is just a starting point. - The real assets are your transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. 5. Informational interviewing. - Engage in conversations with professionals. - Ask about their career trajectories and challenges. These insights are often invaluable. Remember, your career is more than your degree. It's about the intersection of your skills and passions. If you’re feeling lost, start exploring and be open to where the path leads. Action makes everyone feel about the future. Take action.

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆! In today’s evolving global landscape, shifting priorities has led to funding challenges across the UN organizations and thus a noticeable decline in vacancies. This trend affects both current UN professionals facing job insecurity and those aspiring to join, as increased competition makes it imperative to distinguish oneself. To navigate these uncertainties and proactively manage your career development, consider the following strategies: ✔ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Anticipate the competencies that will be valuable in the coming years, such as data analysis, digital transformation, AI-driven decision-making, climate policy, and change and crisis management. Additionally, soft skills like adaptability, leadership in uncertain environments, and cross-cultural communication are increasingly important. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥? ✔ 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭: Strengthen your existing expertise or acquire new skills to broaden your career prospects. Engaging in continuous learning can increase your adaptability and value within the organization. ✔ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬: Remain open to new possibilities and consider different directions within or outside the UN system. Flexibility can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. ✔ 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐕 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬: Highlight your recent accomplishments and strengths. Ensure your profiles on UN career portals are current, and if you haven’t yet created one, now is an opportune time. I have previously written some “Insider Tips for Application Success” specific to WHO. You may find this useful https://lnkd.in/d8_cnPdX ✔ 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬: Understanding what matters most to you will help align your career choices with organizations that share your principles, leading to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. ✔ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: Cultivate relationships within and beyond your organization. Networking can uncover new opportunities and provide support during transitions. ✔ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Keep yourself informed of developments in your field to anticipate shifts and align your career plans accordingly. Understanding the evolving landscape can position you to seize emerging opportunities. By focusing on these actionable steps, you position yourself more favorably for when the right opportunity arises. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 💙

LET'S TALK TRANSITIONS,. It's completely normal to feel anxious and uncertain. Especially during transitional periods in life. Here are some strategies that may help you manage your anxiety and find clarity during this time: 1.Reflect on Your Experiences Journal About Your Feelings: Write down your thoughts and emotions regarding this transition. This can help clarify your feelings and make them feel more manageable. List Your Achievements:Remind yourself of what you've accomplished in your career and life thus far. This can build confidence as you look toward new opportunities. 2.Set Short-Term Goals Break down your transition into manageable steps. Set goals for the next week, month, and 3 months. Focus on actionable items you can complete, such as updating your resume or networking. 3.Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Meditation:Spend a few minutes each day meditating. This can help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. 4.Connect with Others Talk to Friends and Family:Share your feelings with trusted loved ones. They can provide support and may share their experiences with similar transitions. Seek Professional Guidance:Consider talking to a counselor or therapist who can help you navigate these feelings and provide coping strategies. 5.Explore Your Interests Use this time to evaluate your interests and passions. What activities make you feel fulfilled? Consider exploring new hobbies or avenues related to these interests. 6.Educate Yourself Research Career Options: on industries or roles that interest you. Consider online courses or workshops to gain new skills. 7.Establish a Routine Create a daily routine that incorporates work on your goals, self-care and leisure activities. A structured day can provide a sense of stability amidst uncertainty. 8.Limit Social Media Exposure Consider taking breaks or limiting your time on social platforms while you navigate this transition. 9.Embrace the Unknown; Recognize that feeling uncertain is a part of life. Try to adopt a mindset of curiosity instead of fear—What new possibilities could arise from this change? 10.Focus on the Present Concentrate on what you can control today, rather than worrying about potential outcomes in the future. Engage fully in the present moment. 11.Practice Self-Compassion Remind yourself that it's okay to feel anxious.Treat yourself with kindness and patience. 12.Consider Volunteering or Internships. If possible, consider volunteering or taking on internships in fields that interest you. This can provide experience and networking opportunities while also helping to alleviate feelings of stagnation. 13.Engage in Physical Activity Regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood. 14.Explore Career Coaching Consider working with a career coach who can provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. 15.Be patient with yourself. Transitions can take time. Giving yourself the space to explore and grow is key. Reach Out,..

Don’t Sell the Benefit – Sell How You’ll Eliminate the Risk… When legal professionals consider making a career move, the decision is rarely about ambition alone—it’s about avoiding potential pitfalls. As legal recruiters, we’ve seen time and again that what keeps even the most accomplished lawyers hesitant isn’t a lack of opportunity; it’s uncertainty: ♦️Will the new firm align with my professional goals? ♦️Is there a risk to my reputation if this role doesn’t pan out? ♦️How do I know I’m making the right long-term choice? These are valid concerns, and addressing them head-on is what separates the best recruiters from the rest. Here’s how we eliminate risk and instill confidence in every move: 1️⃣ Proven Market Insights: We leverage the latest data and trends on firm growth, retention rates, and team dynamics to provide you with a complete risk analysis—not just a surface-level pitch. 2️⃣ Strategic Cultural Fit: Through in-depth candidate assessments and relationships with key decision-makers, we ensure your personal values and goals align with the hiring firm’s ethos, team culture, and leadership vision. 3️⃣ Informed Decision-Making: Using benchmarking tools, we provide clear comparisons on salaries, benefits, and career progression paths across the market, giving you the evidence to move forward with clarity and confidence. 4️⃣ Tailored Advocacy: We don’t just place you—we advocate for you. From initial conversations to post-placement onboarding, we’re invested in ensuring you thrive, not just survive, in your new role. Why does this matter? Because the best career moves aren’t just about finding opportunity—they’re about mitigating risk. When uncertainty is addressed, ambition follows naturally. Work with recruiters that ensure your next chapter is built on confidence, not compromise! #LegalRecruitment #Lawyers #RiskMitigation #CareerProgression #LegalCareers

Climbing the Corporate Ladder: A Risk Management Approach For many professionals, "climbing the corporate ladder" evokes images of relentless striving and constant hustle. But what if I told you that approaching your career with a "risk management" perspective could be the key to a more strategic and satisfying journey? Having spent over 24 years navigating the complexities of finance, engineering, and insurance risks, effective career advancement shares surprising similarities with crafting a robust risk management framework. Here's how: 1. Identify Your Goals (Risk Tolerance): As a risk manager meticulously assesses potential threats, you must clearly define your career goals. Are you an ambitious go-getter aiming for the C-suite, or are you content with a position that offers a solid work-life balance? Understanding your risk tolerance—the level of career uncertainty you're comfortable with is crucial. 2. Develop a Strategic Plan (Risk Mitigation): Once you've identified your goals, craft a roadmap to achieve them. This plan should include acquiring relevant skills, seeking mentorship, and actively networking. These mitigation strategies are proactive steps that reduce the risk of derailing your ascent. 3. Take Calculated Risks (Risk Taking): While a cautious approach is essential, calculated risks are necessary for growth. Volunteer for challenging assignments, express interest in new projects and don't shy away from opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Remember, calculated risks are not reckless gambles; these risks are well-considered moves with the potential for significant rewards. 4. Build Strong Relationships (Transfer Risk): No one reaches the top alone. Cultivate relationships with mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who can offer guidance, support your endeavours, and even advocate for your advancement. In risk management terms, you're transferring some career risk to your network, leveraging their experience and connections. 5. Continuous Learning (Risk Monitoring): The business landscape is constantly evolving. To stay ahead, commit to lifelong learning. Pursue professional development opportunities, stay abreast of industry trends, and hone your skill set. Think of this as continuous risk monitoring - ensuring your qualifications remain aligned with the demands of your desired career path. Remember, the corporate ladder doesn't have to be treacherous. By applying a risk management mindset, you can navigate your career more intentionally, mitigate potential roadblocks, and ultimately reach the summit of your professional aspirations. #riskmanagement #corporate #riskmonitoring