Hey Friends,

What I Learned When My Career Broke My Heart

There’s a specific kind of pain that happens when the career you’ve poured so much into… stops giving back.

When your work—once a source of pride, purpose, even joy—starts to feel like a burden, or worse, a betrayal.

I know that pain.
Years ago, I hit a point in my corporate career where the pressure, expectations, and constant striving no longer energized me—they exhausted me.
I kept pushing forward, trying to find meaning in the next promotion, the next title… until I couldn’t anymore.

Burnout wasn't just physical. It was emotional. Soul-deep.​
And it forced me to ask a question I hadn’t considered in a long time:
​What if my life is more than my job?

Since then, I’ve coached many leaders through their own career-cracking moments:

• Laid off while planning a return from parental leave
• Tasked with cutting a third of their team
• Watching industries change so rapidly, their degrees feel irrelevant

This kind of loss is real. And it deserves to be named.
It’s not just about losing a paycheck.
It’s about losing a sense of identity, connection, and control.

But here’s what I know for sure:

💡 There is life after professional heartbreak.​
💡 Your job is not the full story of who you are.​
💡 And you can write a new chapter that’s more aligned and more sustainable.

That’s exactly why I wrote my book, Career by Design—to guide you through a process of reflection, rediscovery, and intentional next steps. Inside the book, you'll find:

• The Career Matrix – a framework to understand where you are in your journey
• Tools to uncover your values, strengths, and vision for the future
• A roadmap to design a career on your terms—one that honors your whole life, not just your work

If you’re in a season of uncertainty or transition, please know:

You’re not alone.
You are not broken.
And this moment doesn’t define you.

✨ It’s the beginning of something new.

Warmly,

Nitza
Owner | Nitza Rivera Coaching & Consulting

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About the Author: Nitza Rivera is an executive coach and human capital consultant with a background in mechanical engineering and HR. She helps professionals master career transitions, achieve their dream roles, and find lasting career fulfillment. Nitza is passionate about aligning professional growth with personal values and guiding individuals through meaningful career transformations.

Feeling stuck on how to align your career with your values and strengths? Let’s talk. Schedule a free discovery call here!