What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life?
In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with John Tarnoff, an executive coach who rebuilt his career after the tech bubble burst and now helps mid-career professionals rediscover purpose and confidence.
John shares how to:
• Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience.
• Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward.
• Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths.
• Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready.
• Create community instead of just “networking.”
If you’re a dad redefining success, shifting careers, or searching for meaningful work that fits real life, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Dig Deeper
Pema Chödrön https://pemachodronfoundation.org
Gampo Abbey https://gampoabbey.org/
Comfortable with Uncertainty https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc
Julia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/
The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/4hClP5h
Ikigai https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html
Ikigai Venn diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg
You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk
Follow John
John Tarnoff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/
Mid-Career Lab community https://midcareerlab.com/
John Tarnoff website https://johntarnoff.com/
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