Friend...

Last time, we talked about how emotions don’t just disappear when we ignore them... they wait. And when they finally demand attention, it’s usually at the worst possible time.

This doesn’t just apply to personal emotions, it happens in our careers too.

Have you ever been fired (or left a job under tough circumstances) and told yourself, That’s in the past, I don’t need to think about it anymore? But then, months later, when you’re in an interview and asked why you left that job, all those unprocessed emotions—frustration, resentment, maybe even embarrassment—suddenly rush in, making it hard to answer with confidence? This happened to me!

Or maybe you had a disagreement with a boss or coworker that you never fully worked through, and now, in a new job, you find yourself reacting strongly to a similar situation—not because of what’s happening now, but because of what you never dealt with then.

The key is to be proactive, not reactive. If you don’t process what’s happened in your career, those emotions will show up when you least expect them. But if you take the time to reflect, acknowledge, and work through them, you’ll be in control of your next move instead of being caught off guard.

Here’s how to start processing career emotions before they hold you back:

1. Recognize what still lingers. What career moments—big or small—still bring up strong emotions? That’s a sign they need processing.
2. Find an outlet. Journal about what happened, talk it out with a mentor, or reflect on what you’ve learned from the experience.
3. Reframe the narrative. Instead of staying stuck in what happened to you, once you've processed, shift the focus to how you’ve grown and what’s next.
4. Put more energy into your own career growth. Ask yourself, What’s my next step? Find a mentor, build new skills, or get strategic about where you want to go next. When you actively work toward growth, the past holds less power over you.

When we process career emotions, we show up stronger, clearer, and more confident in the opportunities ahead. We move forward with intention instead of letting the past dictate our future.

So, here’s your challenge: Take five minutes today to check in with yourself. What career experience might still need processing? How can you take a proactive step toward working through it?

P.S. Hit reply and let me know! What’s one way you process career emotions before they build up? I’d love to hear.

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