Samantha (Dr. Sam) Rae, EdD, MPH’s Post

Looking back at 2023, it was a year of immense change and growth for me. 1️⃣Returning to Work After Parenthood : I embraced the challenging role of being a mom to two while returning to work after a year away. It took time to find my rhythm, with the support of my family and supportive colleagues, I eventually got there. 2️⃣Collaborative Transition Process: I see an opportunity for companies and returning employees, like myself, to collaborate better on the transition back. I believe starting this process earlier and with structured support could set employees up for success. 3️⃣Developing Self-Advocacy Skills: This year, I honed my skill of advocating for myself. I navigated a tougher work environment and managed difficult situations. This reminded me that even in great workplaces, you must be prepared to address challenging situations. 4️⃣Career Advancement and Advocates: Understanding that in advancing in my career, I need to showcase my value; and find advocates for my professional growth. I’m sharing my reflections to spark discussions about returning to work, self-advocacy, and career growth. Please Comment or message me to keep the conversation going. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!🥳

⭐ For the last six months, I've been on a sabbatical from corporate work ⭐ With the end approaching this summer, I'm starting to consider my professional future 🤔 and have early conversations about what comes next. I'd love to chat if you: ❤️ Love where you work and think I would too. 😎 Know an amazing founder I'd click with. 🎤 Have unsolicited advice to offer (really!) 🏖 Want to learn more about the sabbatical experience—traveling full time, launching and scaling an ecommerce brand, writing a second screenplay and more. Maybe you're next. At this stage, I have an open mind around roles, industries, and company maturity stages. Maybe I'll take the founder route 😮 My energy around work and love of humanity are at all time highs 🌏 📈 The next chapter is going to be the best one yet.

LinkedIn network, we have some catching up to do! While I met a lot of great people and appreciated my experience at MGM, I quickly realized it wasn’t an environment where I would thrive. I’d been preparing for a self-funded sabbatical for a few years, and although unconventional, in March the opportunity presented itself. I said my good-byes and set out to do some soul-searching. It was a scary decision, leaving without a new role lined up, but after a decade of climbing the corporate ladder I was curious what I would find if I looked somewhere other than straight up. Were there other ladders I should climb? Did my ladder belong somewhere else? Did I even belong on a ladder? I worked with a career coach, took and analyzed assessments, attended webinars, and listened to podcasts. I spoke to leaders in roles I’ve never heard of and recruiters in industries I’d never considered. My “self-discovery sabbatical” has been instrumental in helping me reevaluate my priorities and refine my career goals. I planned to wait until after Memorial Day, but some exciting opportunities have made me antsy to start my next chapter. So, here's the official announcement: the green ring is on, I am open to work! In the coming weeks, I’ll share more about what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) during this time and what types of opportunities I hope to find. For now, I am going to squeeze every last drop out of this chance to invest in myself and make the most out of the final week of my sabbatical before the job hunt begins.

Embracing the Next Chapter: Navigating Career Transitions with Confidence As I remain committed to my goal of re-entering the workforce following a long career break, I continue to be energized by a renewed sense of excitement and purpose. It’s been an incredible journey so far, made possible by the unwavering support of my friends and colleagues. Your belief in my abilities has been a constant source of inspiration, emphasizing that my value extends far beyond any career gap. Thank you. Stepping back into the professional arena after dedicating myself to the role of caregiver, I’m not just bringing with me years of experience and a diverse skill set but also a fresh perspective shaped by my time away. Alongside the technical know-how, I’ve honed additional qualities like empathy, patience, resourcefulness and adaptability, which I believe are invaluable assets in today’s dynamic workplace. While I recognize the apprehensions and associated risks that hiring managers may have about individuals re-entering the workforce, I’m confident that we also offer unique insights, determination, and a hunger to succeed. I’m ready to leverage my blend of past experiences and newfound attributes to make a meaningful contribution and drive positive change wherever I land. Here’s to embracing new challenges with confidence, seizing opportunities, and making a meaningful impact together. #CareerBreak #BacktoWork #NewBeginnings

Ten months ago I made a trade… My old life, for more than three decades, lived well but came with sacrifices. I would leave home as one person, but in an instant, would transform into who I needed to be at work. Then, 10 hours later, I would transition back. Or so I thought. As I climbed, the lines blurred, and so did the nature of who I was and what I tolerated. Eventually, I had a work life, and it was good. And I had a home life, and it, too, was good but came with lots of guilt.  Managing a dual career family, the juggle that existed with 3 busy kids and traveling careers, 14 Au Pairs, a life on the road, stress, guilt, you name it. Living two lives and always wondering how one would impact the other. Thriving, loving my work, but at a cost. In April 2023 I was laid off. Shock and disbelief, followed by anger, grief, and then reality. What’s next for me? The years of chasing the job, the title, checking every box, saying yes to most everything, and feeling disappointed in my outcome - was I chasing a dream or a goal I had set in my mind? An achievement I needed to reach or I would not be satisfied? So many choices to consider – the life I knew so well, or the unknown?  What to hold on to, what to let go? After lots of reflection, conversation, and networking sessions, I determined my course of action.  The layoff became my gift! I have chartered a new path, and so far, I am loving the direction it is taking me. A few lessons I have learned along the way: *Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses *Take stock in YOU *You are in control of how you feel…today and everyday *What’s next is not as scary as you think *Spend time reflecting on who you are, what you want and where you are going *People are good, and your network is better than you think! *Stepping out and trying something new brings learnings, new challenges, and a renewed sense of purpose *Be comfortable with the uncomfortable *Believe in yourself *Be Inspired by someone or something new The best chapter of your life is here, and I invite you to find it. #Beeinspiredcc #Newbeginnings #Nextchapter #Soulsearching

I remember the day my quarter-life crisis started. I stood on a balcony at work and asked myself that dreaded question: 😶 It is common knowledge after the great resignation that a large population of professionals are feeling trapped in their career trajectories. As I have evolved as a professional, my ambitions have changed over time. As a result, I was left wondering how to add more meaning to my professional life. I have learned that one approach to curating an enriching career path is through continuous learning. Ascending the corporate ladder is no longer as shiny as it used to be; it isn't the only way to achieve professional growth anymore. Acquiring new skills and knowledge, switching roles within your organization, or even considering a completely new profession could offer the growth you desire. Professional growth isn't just about reaching the top; it involves developing skills and pushing your limits regularly. So, stay curious and don't be afraid to venture off the general path. You never know where it might lead you. #careeradvice #careerdevelopment #career

Happy 2024! ✨ New year, new possibilities! Are you unhappy in your current position? You're not alone. Many candidates I speak with share similar concerns: ~ Day-to-day tasks are no longer challenging or rewarding. ~ Lack of career advancement opportunities. ~ Bad management or poor training/mentorship. ~ Position no longer aligns with end goals. ~ Compensation. If you're considering a career change, it's natural to take a step back in many ways, including title and pay. But remember, it's about the long game. Don't let short-term setbacks discourage you from pursuing your passions. Here's to a year of growth and new beginnings. #NewYearNewPossibilities #northwesternmutual

Kicking off my first post in the new year with a few phrases that might make you cringe but are so true: New Year, New You and The only constant in life is change So why am I sharing these? For one, it's the new year and important we all take time to reflect and level-set how we want to show up in the world. So maybe it doesn't have to be a NEW you, but it's still a great time to reprioritize your intentions to ensure you're on the right path. Now for whoever has worked with me in the past knows that I tend to overruse the second phrase. That's because it's true - change is inevitable in all facets of our lives. Remaining stagnant and unwilling to evolve will only make life more challenging, not easy. In my career I have been subjected to change constantly. In fact, I grew to love change because it meant evolving and becoming better: for me, for my business, for my company. Some of those changes were incredibly challenging and the hardest were always those were people were impacted. I've witnessed countless peers lose jobs to restructures, and I too have had to let go of great talent, all in the name of change. It's never fun when peoples livelihoods are involved, but it's still a part of doing business and successfully evolving. Ok, so why did I speak to those two quotes for my first post of '24? Because it's happened to me! As I embrace this New Year (and a better version of me) I find myself #opentowork as my previous role was no longer needed due to: the ever evolving changes in business. I am incredibly grateful for my time with John Hardy and the opportunities it provided. I'm even more excited about the opportunities to come. One of my personal core-values is to be curious and look forward to exploring new opportunities that align with my passions and skills. Simply put, I am obsessed with developing leaders and teams to drive sales to new heights through the lens of delivering a best-in-class customer experience. I've worked across a variety of businesses from single-to multi-store operations across all retail price-points and in multiple markets across the US. If you or anyone in your network are hiring, I'd love to have a chat!

I will not let being laid off define me. Yep, it’s a curveball, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every challenge is just a stepping stone to something better. So, what’s next? I’m on the lookout for a #workplace that's not just a #job, but a community, a place where I can truly thrive. - A place where #ideas matter: I want to be somewhere my unique #perspectives are not just heard but appreciated, where thinking outside the box isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated. - Autonomy is key: A work environment where I have the freedom to navigate my path, make decisions, and truly own my projects. - Growth and Development: I'm all about evolving, both personally and #professionally. I want to be in a place that supports that journey, offering #opportunities to #learn, challenge myself, and move forward. - Everyone is seen, heard, and valued: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aren’t just buzzwords for me; they’re essentials. I want a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, is acknowledged and #valued for who they are. - Vibrant #Culture: A place where the energy is infectious, where you’re actually excited to go to work each day because the culture is alive and kicking. - #Purpose and #Value: I'm looking for work that feels meaningful, where I can see the impact of what I do and know that it matters. - #Flexibility and #Balance: Work-life balance is non-negotiable. A #company that understands life happens and supports a #healthy balance is where I can do my best #work. - Mental Health Matters: An environment where #mental well-being is given as much importance as physical health, where it's okay to talk about it. - Being #Appreciated and #Celebrated: I want to be part of a team that doesn’t just recognize my #skills and #experience but also values my attitude and work #ethic. So, here I am, ready to dive into new opportunities where I can bring my whole self to work and make a real difference. #Layoff? Just a minor detour. 🤞 #Hiring #HiringManager #Recruiter

🔍 Reflecting on a Month of Growth and Resilience 🌱 Almost one month ago, I found myself facing a new chapter in my professional journey. The unexpected layoff brought its share of challenges, but it also became a profound learning experience that I am eager to share with you. 🧘♀️ Self-care Taking time to recharge post-layoff has been crucial for my overall well-being. Spending quality time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, and focusing on self-care activities have helped me maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated during this transition. ✨ Embracing Change and Resilience In the face of adversity, I've learned that resilience is not just a trait but a muscle that can be strengthened. Navigating the uncertainties of the job market has allowed me to embrace change, adapt quickly, and approach challenges with a positive mindset. 🤝 The Power of Networking The outpouring of support and encouragement from this incredible LinkedIn community has been truly humbling. Networking has taken on a new meaning for me, proving that authentic connections are invaluable. Let's continue to build bridges and share insights – after all, the right opportunity might just be a conversation away! 💡 Uncovering New Passions Being laid off has allowed me to reassess my career goals and discover new passions within client success, patient experience, and healthcare. I am now more focused than ever on finding opportunities that align not just with my skills, but with my values and aspirations. 🙏 Gratitude for the Journey I am immensely grateful for the experiences and connections made during my time at Included Health. Each interaction has shaped my professional journey, and I carry those lessons forward with gratitude. 📩 Open to New Opportunities As I actively explore new horizons, I am eager to connect with professionals who share similar passions and goals. If you know of any opportunities or have insights to share, I would love to connect! Thank you all for being a source of inspiration and support. Here's to the next chapter of growth, learning, and meaningful connections! 🚀 #ClientSuccess #Healthcare #CareerJourney #Networking