3 Job Search Mistakes She Made (That You Can Avoid): Claire’s Story Artwork

When Mommy Grows Up

As moms, we love to inspire our kids to dream big dreams about who they’ll be as they grow up. But when is the last time you stopped to ask yourself, "Who am I going to be (next) as I grow up?"

The When Mommy Grows Up Podcast is the motherhood and career podcast for moms who need help defining what success looks like to them as mid-career professionals and parents, along with the support they need to go after it.

Hear real stories from real moms facing the same challenges you are. Finding flexible jobs, crafting a job you love, discovering your passions, crushing it at work, and getting kids off the bus! We’ll talk through it all.

Hosts (and fellow mom) Becca Carnahan of Next Chapter Careers takes your questions and provides practical step-by-step advice to help you move forward. All served up with a virtual mom hug and lots of laughs!

Send your stories and questions to podcast@nextchaptercareers.us.

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When Mommy Grows Up

3 Job Search Mistakes She Made (That You Can Avoid): Claire’s Story

November 11, 2025 • Becca Carnahan | Next Chapter Careers

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We’ve all made mistakes as parents, professionals, or both. But what if you could skip some of the trial-and-error and go straight to the learning part?

In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, Becca shares the story of Claire, a 39-year-old project manager and mom of two who hit a wall in her career and decided it was time for a change. Like so many of us, she dove head-first into her job search… and made a few common mistakes along the way.

From updating her resume before defining her target, to applying for all the jobs, to avoiding networking altogether, Claire’s journey highlights the pitfalls many mid-career parents face when trying to find a job that fits their lives.

Tune in to learn how she turned things around with a clear focus, a smaller pool of well-matched opportunities, and a mindset shift about networking that made all the difference.

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