On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Michelle Schafer—a two-time restructuring survivor and career coach—to break down a practical playbook for navigating career transitions without burning out. We cover Michelle’s three keys to career fulfillment (work that gives you energy, aligned company values, and non-negotiables), how to initiate effective career-development talks with your manager (even if support feels low), and realistic strategies to stabilize your mindset in a tough job market. If you’re facing layoffs, quiet quitting, or decision fatigue, this episode gives you actionable, mental-health-aware steps you can use today.

About the guest :

Michelle Schafer is a career coach with 25+ years across HR, L&D, and community engagement. A two-time restructuring survivor, she’s coached nearly 1,000 professionals to pivot into work they actually want, and she’s the author of the upcoming Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose (Feb 2025).

Key takeaways:

• The 3 keys to fulfillment: prioritize work that energizes you, company values that match yours (as demonstrated, not just stated), and personal non-negotiables like location flexibility.

• Energy is data: consistent end-of-day exhaustion signals misalignment—use it as an early warning to course-correct rather than push harder.

• Values in practice: assess how an organization shows its values with employees, customers, and partners; misalignment drives tension and disengagement.

• Own your growth: don’t wait for annual reviews—book a 30-minute, stand-alone career conversation with an agenda (what you love, what drains you, where you want to grow, the support you need).

• When leadership isn’t supportive:network internally (coffee chats, org charts, warm intros) and treat resistance as a values signal that it may be time to transition.

• Quiet quitting/quiet cracking: disengagement is a red flag for both employee and organization; psychologically safe dialogue can re-engage—or confirm it’s time to move.

• Mindset in hard markets: job loss impacts mental health; separate hope from “toxic positivity.” Pair supportive self-talk with action (80% networking, 20% applying).

• The “Something Plan”: when stuck, do five minutes of something (walk, sunlight, read) to rebuild momentum.

• Take short, intentional breaks from the search and commit to a restart date to avoid losing traction.

How to connect with the guest :

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

• Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

• Free offer #1: A free chapter from Michelle's book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

• Order her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

• Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/

• Email her here: [email protected]

• Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with Michelle here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living
• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact

💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com
📍 Based in: India & USA

🎙️ Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:

🎧 Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
🤝 Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest
🤝 Video Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials
🤝 Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind
🤝 Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/

OUR SERVICES

🤝 Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
🤝 Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
🤝 Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!

🤝 Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik
🤝 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
🤝 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
🤝 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
🤝 Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
🤝 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
🤝 Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
🤝 Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/

SHARE YOUR REVIEW

🤝 Share your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
🤝 Share a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website -https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness
#comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast, #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips, #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs, #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters, #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast, #podcastlovers, #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers
#StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #poddastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success