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Career transitions.


The Rhythm of Careers and Motherhood: Finding Growth in Every Season
Careers aren’t meant to be linear. Just like nature moves through seasons, our careers have rhythms of growth, rest, reflection, and renewal. As a homeschooling mum, I’ve learned that even when life feels slower or less focused on traditional career milestones, it’s still a season of growth. Here’s how to embrace the season you’re in and redefine what success looks like.
Merly Hartnett
Sep 25, 20254 min read


Life After Redundancy: How to Regain Confidence and Rebuild Your Career
Redundancy can feel overwhelming, leaving you with uncertainty about your future and even doubts about your abilities. But it doesn’t have to end there. With the right support and strategy, redundancy can become the turning point that leads you to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Merly Hartnett
Aug 23, 20253 min read


Career Grief Is Real: How I Help Women Recover After Burnout and Job Loss
Grief after job loss or burnout is real and it’s often overlooked. As a burnout and resilience coach, I support women navigating career grief after toxic workplaces, layoffs, or breakdowns. Before rushing into “what’s next,” I help them process what’s happened, rebuild their confidence, and create aligned careers that feel safe, fulfilling, and sustainable. Because healing is the first step toward clarity.
Merly Hartnett
Aug 1, 20253 min read


How to Change Careers in Your 30s or 40s (Without Starting Over)
More and more Australians, especially women, are questioning the careers they once worked so hard to build. And it’s no wonder. Midlife often brings with it identity shifts, motherhood, burnout, and a yearning for more purpose.
Merly Hartnett
Jun 16, 20254 min read


Why Nearly Half of Applicants Missed a Key Step and What It Says About Burnout & Alignment
I helped a client apply for a role the other day, and after she submitted her application, she sent me a screenshot of how many people applied for the job (highlighting in yellow for me!). But you know what stood out most? Only 52% included a cover letter. That means nearly half of the applicants didn’t bother attaching one. Now, I’ll be honest, if you had asked me in my 20s, I probably wouldn’t have either. Back then, I didn’t truly understand the power of a thoughtful, tail
Merly Hartnett
Jun 2, 20252 min read


ADHD, Burnout, and Job Searching? You’re Not Alone
A client with ADHD said something this week that really stuck with me: “Thanks heaps for today and your patience throughout!” It wasn’t just about resume edits or career strategy. It was about being seen and supported, especially when navigating ADHD, burnout, or the fog that so often comes with big career decisions. Because real talk? Coaching isn’t always linear. Especially when you’re battling executive dysfunction, self-doubt, or just plain overwhelm. Sometimes, what mak
Merly Hartnett
May 29, 20251 min read


Workplace Bullying and the Bystander Effect: Why Good People Stay Quiet
I've been working with a client who has been dealing with workplace bullying and harassment, and let me tell you, it’s heartbreaking. But here’s the thing: the biggest issue isn’t just the bully. It’s the colleagues who see what’s happening and choose to stay silent , hoping to avoid becoming the next target. The reality? When bystanders ignore workplace bullying, they become part of the problem. Left unchecked, bullying doesn’t just harm the direct victim, it seeps into t
Merly Hartnett
Mar 22, 20253 min read


Toxic Work Environments: What to Do When You’re Facing Workplace Bullying
Lately, I’ve been reading The Resilience Project , a book that explores how empathy, gratitude, and mindfulness can help us build emotional strength. One of the most powerful takeaways is how people in difficult circumstances often display incredible resilience and joy. It got me thinking about why, despite all our modern comforts, are mental health struggles on the rise, especially in the workplace. In my work, I see firsthand how workplace bullying fuels burnout and psychol
Merly Hartnett
Mar 17, 20254 min read


Feeling Drained? Let’s Talk About Toxic Workplaces
Have you ever left work feeling absolutely wiped out, not because of the tasks but because of the people ? If that resonates, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about something that could be quietly draining your energy, toxic workplace behaviour. Simon Sinek, in his eye-opening video about toxic people at work, explains how trust outweighs performance when building great teams. The Navy SEALs, for instance, won’t pick someone who’s a high performer but low on trust. Why? Because
Merly Hartnett
Feb 15, 20252 min read


Juggling Work, Study, and Motherhood: How to Make It Work Without Burning Out
Being a working mum is a full-time job in itself. Add full-time study into the mix, and suddenly, life feels a little chaotic. If you’re in the trenches, trying to balance a career, motherhood, and education, you’re not alone. This post is for you. While I’m nearing the end of my study commitments, I’m right there with you. Here’s what’s helping me stay sane (most of the time!): Accept That Balance Is a Myth Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as perfect balance. If you be
Merly Hartnett
Feb 14, 20253 min read
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