Closet Clean-Out, Career Edition
Writing this on a glorious balmy day, finally! It is officially that time of year, when the sun is out, your winter coat feels like a burden, and you’re starting to wonder if you remember where you stowed your sandals.
The seasonal closet clean-out has begun.
Out go the heavy sweaters, scarves, and all those winter layers we convinced ourselves were stylish in February. In come the light jackets, fresh colors, and a small but mighty burst of spring fashion energy.
That said and full disclosure—my own closets?
They’re currently a chaotic mix of “ready to head out to the great white north ” and “packed for a sunny weekend at the cottage.”
Because in Canada, you never really know. Especially in Spring.
And every time I dig through this confused seasonal mash-up, I can’t help but think—
why don’t we clean out our careers the same way?
Seriously.
We hang on to so many “just in case” items in our work lives.
Old roles, outdated beliefs, worn-out habits.
Dreams we shoved to the back of the drawer years ago.
So let’s talk about what might be lurking in your career closet—and how to make space for something that actually fits the person you’re becoming.
Some outfits are just outfits. Others are old identities waiting to be released.
What’s Hanging in Your Career Closet?
Let’s do a little inventory:
🧥 Pack It Away:
Are you still defining yourself by a role or identity that doesn’t serve you anymore?
Maybe you’ve outgrown the “team player who always says yes” version of yourself. Or the one who believed she wasn’t leadership material.
Thank her. Fold her gently. Put her away.
👜 Donate It:
Let’s talk about the stuff that’s just taking up space:
People-pleasing
Perfectionism
Guilt for wanting more
None of these match your new season. Let them go. Someone else might need to learn from them—but they’re not for you anymore.
👗 Try It On Again:
You know that bold idea you had two years ago? The one you talked yourself out of? It’s time to bring it out, dust it off, and see how it fits now. You’ve changed. It might be exactly the thing you’re ready for now.
👠 Buy New:
What do you actually want more of this season? Confidence? Creative space? Colleagues who energize instead of drain you?
This is the fun part. You get to shop for new beliefs, new skills, new opportunities—whatever aligns with the career and life you're actually trying to create.
Why We Hold On
We all have that one piece in the back of the closet we haven’t worn in five years but still can’t let go of.
Careers are no different.
We hang on to roles, projects, or professional identities because they used to matter—or because we’re scared to say out loud, “This doesn’t fit anymore.”
But what if this was true?: Letting go doesn’t mean you’re quitting. It means you’re evolving.
Just because something once looked good on you doesn’t mean it still belongs in your closet or career rotation.
Three Brave Career Moves to Make This Spring
1. Let Go of Something That Doesn’t Fit Anymore
Whether it’s a title, a task, or a Tuesday morning team meeting that’s stealing your joy—choose one thing to release.
2. Revisit a Dream You Shelved
You don’t need to go full “new career by Monday” mode. But what if you gave yourself permission to be curious again?
3. Invest in a Version of You That Feels Expansive
This could mean hiring a coach (hi 👋), carving out quiet thinking time, or simply making space to want what you want—without justifying it.
A Pep Talk From the Floor of My Closet
You don’t need to throw everything out and start from scratch.
But you do get to take stock.
You do get to say, “This no longer serves me.”
And you do get to choose something better—even if it’s just one new thing at a time.
So here’s your challenge:
Open the metaphorical doors.
Start clearing.
And give yourself space to step into this next season with clarity, confidence, and yes—possibly some new and novel fashion piece.
Because growth looks good on you.
And the new season? It’s yours to claim.
With love and fresh air,
Carol 💥
