In the working world, job titles can carry a sense of identity, status, and progression. They help us benchmark where we stand in our careers, offer a sense of clarity when applying for roles, and help others understand what we think we do. But here’s the thing we should remember,  job titles don’t always tell the full story and often that can be a big problem, especially when your job hunting or hiring.

Job Titles: same name, different game

A “Project Manager” at one company could be running multi million pound transformation programmes, while at another, they might be overseeing the ordering of office supplies. A “Customer Success Manager” in one company could be deeply strategic, acting as a trusted advisor to clients, while elsewhere it’s a purely reactive support role.

What a job title means internally doesn’t always match how the wider job market interprets it. This disconnect can lead to missed opportunities on both sides. Talented professionals might overlook roles because the title doesn’t resonate with them. Meanwhile, hiring managers may dismiss excellent candidates who’ve held the “wrong” title even though their day-to-day responsibilities match up perfectly.

Letters on paper don’t paint the picture

Another issue? Job titles are just words or more accurately, alphabetical letters on a screen or piece of paper. They rarely bring to life the full scope of a role. They don’t reflect the energy, the team dynamics, the problem-solving, the leadership, or the challenges faced each day. This is especially true for evolving industries and hybrid roles that don’t fit neatly into traditional categories.

When hiring, it’s crucial to go beyond the label. Job descriptions need to be more than a bland list of duties and required skills. They should offer real insight into what the role actually feels like, how it contributes to the bigger picture, who it interacts with, and what success looks like.

The power of “A Day in the Life”

One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between job title and job reality is through “A Day in the Life” content, whether that’s a short video, a blog, or a photo-led post from a current team member, this type of content helps bring roles to life. It’s also equally valuable for candidates to hear and see your people ad hear their why and how for being in the company.

It allows potential candidates to picture themselves in the role, within the culture, and amongst the team. It humanises the job, offers transparency, and can significantly improve the quality of applicants by helping people self-select based on a deeper understanding of the role.

So, my final thoughts

Your job title is just the beginning of your story by any means, and it certainly is not the whole book. Whether you’re a jobseeker trying to navigate vague titles or a hiring manager looking to attract top talent, it’s essential to look beyond the surface. Be curious. Ask more. Share more.

If companies want to attract the right people, they need to communicate roles more clearly and creatively. And if you’re searching for your next opportunity, don’t be afraid to look past the title and dig into what the role really means.

“A job title is only the surface, the real opportunity lies in the passion, talent, and possibility hidden within.”

Rediscovering You

When life shifts, our identity can too. A career coach helps you reconnect with your values, strengths, and passions which are sometimes hidden under years of survival mode or emotional and healing recovery. This isn’t about picking up where you left off. It’s about tuning into who you are now, with all the life experience, empathy, and resilience you’ve gained from past experiences that also carry learnings in life wither we see them or not or equally wish to accept!

Coaching creates a safe, judgment-free space, where you can explore what’s next without pressure or comparison to anyone or anything. You may have changed and so has the world of work and that’s okay. A coach helps you align your next steps with your new reality.

Building Confidence, One Step at a Time

Self-doubt is often the loudest voice when we’ve been away from the workplace. The fear of “not being enough” can stop you before you even start. A coach helps you challenge that inner demon and critic, replacing doubt with evidence of your worth. Together, you’ll reflect on your transferable skills, map out accomplishments (yes, they’re there!), and reframe your own story not as someone “starting again,” but someone evolving.

You’ll be reminded that resilience, empathy, time management, crisis-handling, and nurturing are not soft skills, no they’re your superpowers. Whether you’ve managed a household, supported a loved one, or battled personal health challenges, you’ve developed competencies that are valuable in any workplace.

Practical Support with a Personal Touch

Beyond mindset, a coach provides practical tools to help ease your transition. This includes CV refresh, LinkedIn profile updates, interview preparation, and job search strategies that reflect today’s changing world.

They’ll also help you explore what kind of roles and environments truly support your return. It’s not just about getting a job to pay the bills and survive; it’s about finding your fit. Flexibility, purpose, values, and wellbeing matter. You get to define success on your terms.

The First Step is Just That — A First Step

You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. In fact, that’s the beauty of working with a career coach. Whether you’re dipping your toe in or ready to dive back into your career, they’ll meet you where you are with empathy, strategy, and encouragement.

So, if that question still lingers in your head ‘Am I ready’? Then know this: You don’t have to walk the path alone. With the right support, your return to work can be a powerful, positive next chapter and not a comeback tour, but a transformation.

The reality is success is deeply personal to everyone. What drives one person might leave another completely isolated. And yet, many of us fall into the trap of chasing someone else’s definition of ticking boxes we never set for ourselves. We’re told that if we work hard, promotions will come. That loyalty will be rewarded. That “making it” looks a certain way. But in truth, career success isn’t a one-size-fits-all outcome,  and waiting for it to land in your lap is a risky game.

For me ‘in life you create your own luck’ and if you’re lucky you may get success, if you’re not then you get a lesson learned!

I once had a team member who was very young at the time, she had a difficult home life and her job was her family almost, she wanted to know what she needed to do to be successful. I used the above statement and the next week she came to my office very proud of herself and had it written in tattoo ink on her arm. It gives me great pleasure to see her on LinkedIn doing so well with her job in HR.

So, what does success really mean to you?

The first step is to stop and quietly reflect. Strip back the noise of others and perhaps of forced opinions and views of you, and ASK yourself:

• What gives me a sense of purpose at work?
• Do I want progression, or am I craving security and consistency?
• Am I chasing status because I want it or because I think I should?
• At what cost am I willing to pursue this? My health? My time with family? My values?

Recently, I worked with a client who was hesitant to use the word success in the same breath as finance. They were worried it might come across as big-headed or even narcissistic. But here’s the thing,  being financially driven doesn’t make you shallow or selfish. It makes you human. Money is a legitimate marker of success for many, whether it’s about creating security, providing for a family, or achieving a certain lifestyle. We need to let go of the shame or guilt around naming what truly matters to us.

Another client I worked with had a completely different struggle. She was measuring success by what she was sold on Instagram – the polished posts, the “dream” lifestyles, the constant narrative of hustle and high achievement from people she didn’t even know. On top of that, she was driven by a deep desire to make her parents proud, fuelled by expectations that were never hers to begin with. She eventually realised that she was chasing a version of success that wasn’t making her happy. The pressure to live up to impossible ideals both online and at home was leaving her exhausted, not empowered. The truth is that many parents want their children to fulfil the dreams they never had the opportunity in their day to pursue. But that’s not the answer either. When you’re living someone else’s version of success, you’re not being your true self.

Why a Career Coach can help

This is where a career coach becomes a powerful ally. They’re not there to tell you what you should do, they’re there to help you figure out what’s right for you.

Whether you’re stuck, lost, or at a crossroads, they’ll help you gain clarity, build confidence, and take control of your career journey. A good coach will challenge assumptions you didn’t even know you were making. They’ll ask questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself. And they’ll hold up a mirror to your values, your goals, and your potential.

Coaching is about accountability and  it’s about choosing to own your career, rather than waiting to be chosen.

Success doesn’t just happen

Let’s bust a myth on its own, hard work alone doesn’t guarantee recognition. Being busy doesn’t equal being valuable. And hoping someone will notice your efforts and hand you your dream role? That’s wishful thinking. You must advocate for yourself. You must build your network, seek feedback, learn continuously, and speak up about your ambitions. You must be proactive, not passive.

Because nothing in life is free sadly and everything comes with trade-offs, and it is YOUR choice to make the decisions.

People often see titles or perhaps more money, that they ever dreamt of but… What are you willing to trade?

Climbing the ladder might mean longer hours and more responsibility might mean less downtime. A higher salary might mean sacrificing time with your kids. These aren’t right or wrong choices, but they are yours to make. The key is to be conscious of them. If you define success without factoring in your health and personal life, or impact on your relationships and children, you may arrive at the top of your career, but you will be exhausted, burnt out, and wondering if it was worth it.

Own It

So, take the reins. Define success on your terms not someone else. Ask yourself the hard questions. Work with someone who can help you map it out. And never forget your career is a journey, not a race. Make sure you’re headed somewhere that matters to you but not at the cost of your health and you family time as that you will never get back!

Working with a career coach can bring clarity, direction, and strategy. But more than that, it often sparks one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) shifts: a deeper awareness of yourself.

Self-awareness isn’t just about knowing your strengths or choosing a career path. It’s about being honest with how you respond under pressure, how you interact with others, and how your mindset shapes your experience especially during life’s transitional moments.

The Good, the Uncomfortable, and the Honest

With the right support, self-awareness becomes a gift, not a judgement. And for some, a defining moment, especially if someone has had years of being knocked down and lacking confidence. As your coach, we help you reflect both your strengths and the subtle patterns that may be holding you back.

You might realise:

• You’re dependable and loyal but rarely ask for support yourself, as you may deem it a weakness when it’s actually a strength.

• You’re energised by people however mentally drained and anxious by environments with no boundaries.

• You seek purpose but struggle to articulate your own values when asked because you have never been asked!.

• There’s no right or wrong here remember just insight. When you see yourself clearly, you can lead, connect, and grow from a place of intention and often most people feel enlightened that they have been able to identify what they have never been able to really put into words.

Personality: How you show up (and how that lands)

Your personality is how you naturally move through the world. It’s also how others see or experience you and in their view. Maybe you’re empathetic and calm, but people mistake it for passive. Maybe your strength is that you are action-oriented, but your team struggle to keep up with you and their needs are more time to process change.

Understanding the impact of your style helps you build trust, help you to influence others, read the room of other behaviours, and build stronger relationships without losing what makes you, you. Remember, we are all unique – we are not meant to be the same!

Career coaching helps you shape that awareness into your language. It gives you the tools to express your unique strengths and leadership style with clarity and confidence.

When Self-Awareness feels off: Stress, Health & Change

There are times in life when even the most grounded person can feel out of sync with themselves. Health challenges, burnout, hormonal shifts, or prolonged stress can cloud your usual clarity. You might feel less confident, more reactive, or simply disconnected from your usual spark and then the gremlin can easily appear, the unwanted inner voice of Imposter Syndrome and lack of self-worth.

This doesn’t mean you’ve lost your edge, it means you need space and support to recalibrate your workings.

At Jigsaw, it is important that we help you to create that space. We guide you to tune back in, reconnect and be proud of your values, and realign with your strengths whatever your season of turmoil maybe.

A Living, Breathing Process

Remember – Self-awareness isn’t a checkbox. It’s a dynamic, evolving practice and one of the most empowering things you can develop for your career and your wellbeing.

Working with a coach helps you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the bigger picture. It puts you back in the driver’s seat with fresh perspective, greater self-awareness, and compassion, and with clear direction and intent.

Let’s put the pieces together

At Jigsaw People Solutions, we help individuals like you craft the Jigsaw pieces of your story between personal insight and professional success. If you’re ready to explore your next chapter with honesty, confidence, and a deeper sense of self, then we’re here to support you on that journey.

And often, they’re scared they don’t have the right skills to offer.

Should I stay or should I go?

It’s completely natural to feel torn. On one hand, there’s comfort in what you know. On the other, there’s curiosity – a pull toward something new, something that might just surprise you. But then the doubts creep in:

• “What if I’m not qualified?”
• “Will anyone take me seriously?”
• “What if I fail?”

These thoughts are more common than you might think. They’re part of the human experience – especially when we’re standing on the edge of change. But here’s the truth: your skills are more transferable than you realise. And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Why does changing industries feel so scary?

Because it’s not just about switching jobs. It’s about challenging the story you’ve told yourself for years.

We build our careers around experience, identity, and comfort. We stay because we like our colleagues, or because it’s familiar – even when something inside us is nudging us to explore. That root cause for wanting change doesn’t go away just because we ignore it.

There’s also the fear of starting over. Imposter syndrome shows up, whispering that you’re not good enough, not experienced enough, not ready. You worry about how recruiters will view your background, or how you’ll fit into a team that seems to know more than you.

That’s where a career coach can make all the difference.

How a Career Coach can support your transition

Working with a career coach can be the missing piece to your career puzzle. Here’s how they help:

1. Clarity: A coach helps you uncover why you want to make a change. They’ll guide you in aligning your values, strengths, and goals with industries that reflect who you are now – not who you were five years ago.
2. Strategy: Together, you’ll build a realistic, structured plan. From identifying exciting industries to spotting (and bridging) any skill gaps, you’ll have a roadmap that feels achievable.
3. Transferable Skills: You likely have dozens of skills that are valuable in other sectors. A coach helps you reframe your CV, cover letter, and interview pitch to highlight your value, not just your experience.
4. Confidence: Perhaps most importantly, a coach is someone in your corner. They believe in your potential and help you keep moving forward – even when self-doubt creeps in.

You deserve a career that lights you up

One of my favourite sayings is having “fire in your belly” – that feeling of being inspired, challenged, and fulfilled at the end of the day. If you’re seeking more meaning, flexibility, or better alignment with your values, switching industries might be the door to something unexpected and exciting.

Yes, it can feel like a leap of faith. But with the right support, it’s a leap you can take.

Ready to explore your next chapter?

If you’re sitting on the edge of a career change, wondering if it’s too late, too risky, or too scary – know this: you’re not alone. And you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m always happy to connect with professionals who feel stuck, uncertain, or ready for something new. Let’s explore your next chapter – together.

For some companies, it’s a quick mention and then forgotten. For others, it’s slowly becoming a natural part of workplace dialogue.

I am looking forward to my Corporate Training Day,  educating 10 lovely ladies that are all working within the Construction Industry and all keen to learn for them elves but to support one another.

I have no doubt I will hear: “If this was a male issue, it would already be on everyone’s agenda.” But would it? Men also struggle in silence, just as women do. Neither menopause nor andropause is yet “the norm” to talk about at work or personally for some people.

Meanwhile, our feeds are flooded with “quick fixes”, drinks, flavoured gummies, multiple supplements, that you easily forget “Did I just take that one”.

Big retailers (yes, the one beginning with B) are stocking shelves with menopause products but mostly for women, not always for men. Health is a big commercial business and in the UK, it is a tiny % unlike what I witnessed when I lived in the USA. Let’s be honest, when women are dealing with daily confusion, forgetfulness, and brain fog, remembering which product to buy (and why) becomes difficult. That’s a marketeer’s dream: making money from women’s health challenges but not always providing real solutions.

My own training with the Menopause Experts Group was a real eye-opener. It deepened my understanding of how menopause impacts tall of the body in so many ways, and how truly individual the journey is. Whether it’s HRT, natural therapies, or a blend of both – it’s about what your body can cope with and what feels right for you only.

That’s why having credible, relevant information matters, not just for individuals, but for businesses too. Training staff of all ages to spot the signs and understand the impact suffered by both sexes, is crucial if we want to move beyond a once-a-year awareness day and embed genuine, everyday support. The support you provide is not just for Menopause it is also for multiple health conditions and also mental health and suicide prevention, yes you read that correct!

If you’d like to explore how menopause (and andropause) awareness can be brought into your workplace, I offer 1:1 coaching and Teams training sessions tailored to your needs. Remember it’s a strength to chat and within your power to solve.

But here’s the thing, you’re not just behind on a couple of deliverables. You’re doing your day job – the constant, unrelenting, meeting-filled, inbox-bursting day job. On top of the day job, you may be a single parent, or maybe you’re supporting ageing parents, or perhaps you’re navigating all things peri / menopause, and your brain fog makes simple tasks feel like climbing Everest every day. Or maybe it’s andropause for men, chronic health issues, brain fog, or just the sheer mental burnout and fatigue of 2025 has caught up with you.

So, what’s your plan now? Power through and burn out? Deal with it closer to end of year? Or face your manager and admit you won’t hit everything and for good reason?

Here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud: you can do a good job and still not get everything done. That’s not failure but the reality for everyone. That’s prioritisation. That’s owning it and being brave to address it.

Bravery looks like this, so read slowly, you may recognise this.

Being brave isn’t about pushing through the impossible. It’s about being honest with yourself and your manager, and saying, “Here’s what’s realistic, here’s what’s not, and here’s how I plan to handle it.”

That is taking ownership. That is action. That is leadership in yourself.

Because when you clearly manage expectations, you give your manager the opportunity to help, align, and adjust – not just hold you to outdated assumptions.

Don’t boil the ocean, sound familiar?

One thing I used to say to my teams: Don’t boil the ocean with too many goals, it’s not competition with your team who has the most. Your day-to-day job is already complex and perhaps chaotic.

If you’ve got one personal development goal and the flexibility to carry it into 2026, then great. Let that be your starting point. Carry forward that one, then define others when the space opens. Progress doesn’t need to be packed into a single year as some goals take longer to achieve, so be realistic and make sure they are impactful.

Practical steps for your next 1:1

1. Be honest without guilt: “This is where I’m at, here’s why, and here’s what I propose we do.” No shame. No defensiveness. Just facts and realistic intentions.

2. Refocus on what matters now: Goals aren’t sacred. Things change. Get clear on what really needs to land in Q4, and what can shift – or move to 2026.

3. Bring solutions, not just struggles: Could something be placed on hold or delegated? Come with ideas, not just concerns.

4. Set yourself up for success, not stress: If you can only focus on one goal right now, make it count. Sustainable momentum beats unsustainable ambition every time.

Final Word: you’re not alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, questioning your goals, you’re not alone. This is a common Q3 reality. The strongest move you can make right now isn’t doing more, it’s doing the right things, in the right order, with the right support.

Don’t push until you break. Reset. Reassess. And remember managing your goals well, even when that means scaling them back, is a sign of maturity, not weakness.

Not another role – that’s easy and that’s called comfort.
Not another title, that’s never what it seems.
But a new direction – designed by you.

After decades of working within other people’s systems, you suddenly have the opportunity to build something that truly reflects you. But that shift, while exciting, is actually layered and complex.

My advice on the first step: re-evaluate your values.

When I began this journey, one key insight helped everything fall into place: re-evaluating values. Who are you now, not who you were 10 or 20 years ago?

Thanks to my Career Coach Kath, I took time to reflect on what I really wanted my working life to look like in these later chapters, and how my values, shaped by lived experience, needed to drive my decisions. This wasn’t just a philosophical exercise. It became the foundation for how I built my business, who I work with, and how I showed up today.

Life is a puzzle. That’s why I started Jigsaw People Solutions. I chose the name Jigsaw for a reason. Life is one giant jigsaw puzzle. People, experiences, opportunities, they all come and go. Some pieces fit. Some don’t. But each one shapes the picture of who we are becoming.

So was a sudden episode of amnesia a few years ago – my “brain blip”- that forced me to slow down and completely rewire how I lived and worked. That moment, and Kath’s guidance, gave me the space and courage to start again.

And now? I’m writing a book. Supporting organisations I truly believe in. Living a week filled with variety, purpose, and space to think.

Building a brand that’s not corporate

One thing Anna hadn’t yet considered in our conversation was this: What does your personal brand stand for? This isn’t about logos or taglines. It’s about:

– What your brand means: what do you want to be known for?
– What colours you choose: and how they reflect your energy, intention, and personality.
– Who your audience is: who are you speaking to now, and what do they need from you?
– How you use your network: not just for business, but for genuine connection and growth.

These aren’t questions we’re taught to ask in the corporate world. But when you step out on your own, this is everything.

And then… the Silence.

One of the tougher lessons many people face when they go solo: the network you once relied on – the colleagues, contacts, even friends who once responded instantly in a corporate context can suddenly fall silent. Not because they don’t care. But because your role no longer “serves” them.  And that silence can sting.

But here’s the shift – you don’t need permission or validation anymore. You’re building something for you. Stay focused. Stay positive. The right people will come, and the relationships that matter will evolve. This life is yours.

Working for yourself is full of highs and lows. Freedom is real. So is the unpredictability. But the most powerful part? You get to drive your wants, your needs, and your vision.

So, to Anna, and anyone else standing at the edge of unexpected reinvention:

• Re-evaluate your values.
• Define your identity, you may be surprised.
• Build a brand that reflects you, not your last employer.
• And… create it, believe in it, own it, and enjoy it.

Because life is short. And precious.  And if I can get to this point – from corporate, through health scares, to running my own business and writing a book – then trust me: you can too.

This chapter of your life isn’t corporate. It’s personal to you. And it might be the best one yet, as what’s for you won’t go past you as my grandmother used to say!

How many symptoms do men experience… not as many as women.

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male development and health. It’s responsible for:

• Muscle mass and strength
• Bone density
• Fat distribution
• Red blood cell production
• Sex drive (libido)
• Sperm production

As testosterone levels decline, various physical and emotional changes can occur.

The symptoms of andropause can vary widely among individuals, but commonly include:

1. Reduced libido: A decrease in sex drive is often one of the first noticeable symptoms.
2. Erectile dysfunction: Some men may experience difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.
3. Decreased muscle mass and strength: Testosterone plays a key role in muscle development and maintenance.
4. Increased body fat: Particularly around the midsection, often referred to as “middle-age spread.”
5. Fatigue and low energy: Men may feel less energetic and more easily tired.
6. Mood changes: Including irritability, depression, or mood swings.
7. Reduced bone density: Increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
8. Hot flashes: Though less common than in menopause, some men do experience this symptom.
9. Sleep disturbances: Including insomnia or sleep apnea.
10. Gynecomastia: The development of enlarged breast tissue.
11. Hair loss: Beyond typical male pattern baldness.
12. Cognitive changes: Some men report difficulty with memory and concentration.

Shedding light on the basics of andropause is not just important, it’s essential. By understanding this natural phase of life, men and their loved ones can better navigate the emotional, physical, and psychological changes it brings. Open conversations, informed choices, and compassionate support can make all the difference. Just as society is increasingly recognising the importance of menopause, it’s time we give andropause the attention it deserves, because every stage of life matters, and so does the well-being of the men experiencing it.

As a child, I still remember my mum using the phrase “bad with their nerves” when talking about people who were clearly struggling emotionally. That was the language available to her and often what a doctor would you use. My mum’s generation were raised to be strong, resilient, and to “just get on with it.” And this generational mindset has shaped how many of us deal with our emotions today — or don’t.

In 2022, when I returned from living in the USA, I faced a life-altering experience from which I fully grasped how dangerous it can be to ignore the signs (even if you notice them, as I certainly didn’t). After years of accumulated grief and stress following the death of my dad, especially while living far from home in the US, my body forced me to stop. I suffered a global transient amnesia attack and lost nine hours of my life. My husband thought I had a brain tumour. The MRI, CT scan, and lumbar puncture ruled that out. The diagnosis… my brain had reached breaking point. That terrifying day for my husband ended with a nurse calmly telling me, “Your brain just gave you a warning, think yourself lucky.”

That moment changed everything for me, how I look at life, manage stress and think about what truly is important.

We must start treating mental health with the same seriousness and compassion we do our physical health. Just like a pulled muscle or a fever, burnout and emotional overwhelm are real. They deserve rest, care, and understanding — not shame.

We also need to stop comparing ourselves to others. The pressure to “hold it all together” can be intense, especially when it looks like everyone else is managing just fine. But behind closed doors, so many people are struggling, especially young people. We’re seeing anxiety and behavioural issues in children at an alarmingly young age, and yet we still shy away from tackling the root of the problem: how we view and talk about mental health.

We must do better — for ourselves, for our children, and for future generations.

Start the conversation. Check in with yourself and others. Be honest about your feelings. Because your mind matters, and no one else can take care of it for you — but you.