Career Change Story: From PR burnout to meaningful work
How envisaging his dream job helped PR Professional Gareth reset his career
‘I didn't find this job - I built it.’ Getting crystal clear on what he wanted, having structured career change conversations and a little spookily well-timed happenstance helped Gareth tweak his career and grow in a new direction.
What sparked your career change?
A clear sense that something had to shift, which showed up as a mix of frustration and realism. The work I was doing no longer reflected my knowledge and experience. I'd hit a point where I wasn't growing, and I began to doubt my ability, which was confronting.
What work were you doing previously?
I was working in PR agency-side, mostly with tech and start-up clients. It was fast-paced and kept me busy, but over time, I felt like I was chasing output rather than impact.
What are you doing now?
I'm still in PR, but with a new focus. I work in a more senior, strategic capacity to support enterprise-level clients and contribute to their business growth. I'm using the same skill set in a way that feels more aligned with where I'm at in my career. So not so much a grand reinvention – more a career reset.
Working with Jo helped me unlock how I could make better use of my skills within my existing career and recalibrate the value I bring.
Why did you want to change?
To be honest, I needed to be somewhere that recognised my experience and gave me a seat at the table. I wanted to feel useful and heard. And I needed to feel like my work was genuinely contributing to the direction of the business.
What process did you go through to make the decision to change?
I started with some desk research, then spoke to people I trust, including friends, ex-colleagues, and others in the industry. I wasn't looking for a lightning bolt moment, just enough perspective to make a considered move.
What was the hardest part of changing careers?
Making the space - mentally and physically - to go through the process. You've got to carve out time to reflect and be honest with yourself about what's not working.
How did you go about making the shift?
After doing some research and reading a few stories that felt familiar, I reached out to Jo. Her approach helped me cut through the noise and focus on what I actually wanted, rather than what I thought I "should" want.
How did envisaging your ideal job help you reset your career?
One of the most useful tools in Jo's process was creating my 'ideal job description'. It helped me get really clear on what I wanted, not just in terms of title or tasks, but also how I wanted to work, who I wanted to work with, and what kind of impact I wanted to have.
I used my description as a framework for an open conversation with my then-employer about where I saw myself growing. It was a constructive and honest exchange, but ultimately, they couldn't offer what I needed.
So, I used that ideal job description as a guide to selecting the roles I applied for and the conversations I had. It became a bit of a litmus test, helping me filter out what wasn't right and focus on roles that were.
I also referenced the description when speaking with people in the PR industry. In one of these conversations, I asked, hypothetically, her company would employ someone doing the things I'd outlined in my job description. To my surprise, she said, 'Yes', and asked me if I was looking for a job as they needed someone to do exactly that kind of work!
So that's how I ended up where I am now: in an agency that totally plays to my strengths, with a structure that suits how I like to work.
I didn't find this job - I built it.
And I wouldn't have done that without the clarity, tools and accountability that came from working with Jo.
What help did you get?
Outside of working with Jo, I leaned heavily on friends and my partner. They weren't just sounding boards. Whenever I started second-guessing everything, they reminded me how capable I am.
What have you learnt in the process?
That self-doubt can be pretty persistent, but it's usually not grounded in reality. And that it's never too late to make a change if things aren't working. You just have to be willing to sit with the discomfort for a while.
How are you feeling about the change now?
Relieved, mostly. It was the right call, and I'm glad I acted on it rather than dragging things out any longer, assuming that change would present itself. I feel more in control and more connected to the work I'm doing.
What do you miss, and what don't you miss?
There's nothing I actively miss from my old role. I've brought the parts I valued with me and left behind the parts that weren't working.
What do you enjoy most about your new career?
Being able to use my experience in a way that moves the needle. Working in a smaller, more collaborative setup where everyone pulls their weight has been a real shift, in a good way.
What do you wish you'd done differently?
I wish I'd acted earlier. I probably needed to sit in the discomfort for a bit to make the change stick.
What 3 tips would you give others in the same situation?
Don't wait too long; things rarely fix themselves.
Take responsibility for your career direction - no one else will.
Discomfort is part of the process. Don't let it stop you.
Hi, I’m Jo Green, a Career Change Coach.
I help thoughtful professionals who feel stuck or unfulfilled in their work find a clearer direction and move into work that feels meaningful and aligned with who they are.
Since 2016 I’ve supported hundreds of people to reshape their careers – whether that means changing roles, starting something new, or finding work that contributes more positively to people or the planet.
If you're thinking about a career change and want structured support, you can learn more about my career change coaching here.
Or you’re welcome to book a free 20-minute consultation to talk about where you’re at and whether coaching could help.
