
The job market is undeniably challenging right now, even for those at the peak of their careers. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uncertain, or frustrated about your next step, you’re not alone. These obstacles are impacting executives, founders, and high-performing leaders in profound ways.
Let’s start with some facts:
💡 Even at elite business schools, the numbers are disheartening. MIT Sloan, long considered a powerhouse for future leaders, saw only 77% of its 2024 MBAs land a job within three months of graduation—down from 93% just a few years ago. The Economist has noted a striking decline in job prospects for top MBA graduates, a trend that questions the ROI of these expensive degrees. (Source: Economist)
💡 Tech companies have laid off over 450,000 employees globally since 2022, with layoffs.org tracking thousands more every week. Just recently, Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to cut another 5% of Meta’s workforce, signaling ongoing instability in the sector.
💡 Gallup’s State of the Global Workforce report revealed that 60% of workers feel emotionally detached from their jobs, and 50% experience daily stress. The ripple effect? A generation of workers stuck in "The Great Frustration," struggling with disengagement, mental health concerns, and unclear career paths.
💡 For younger professionals, the picture is even bleaker. Deloitte found that 40% of Gen Z and nearly 25% of millennials want to quit their jobs in the next two years, with one-third ready to leave without another offer in hand.
💡 AI is taking over rapidly, reshaping industries and eliminating traditional roles. According to McKinsey, up to 25% of jobs globally could be automated by 2030, with generative AI tools like ChatGPT already replacing human tasks in marketing, content creation, and customer support.
💡 Meanwhile, leaders like Mark Zuckerberg are championing "masculine energy" in corporate culture, cutting DEI initiatives at Meta, and openly rolling back policies meant to create inclusivity. Elon Musk has made similar moves at X (formerly Twitter), signaling a return to hyper-aggressive, outdated corporate norms.
💡 Promotions and hiring have slowed across industries, particularly in tech and consulting, leaving many leaders in limbo. For example, McKinsey and BCG, long known for their MBA-heavy hiring pipelines, have significantly reduced new hires, down by nearly 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
What Leaders Are Saying

Here are some of the concerns I hear from executives, founders, and senior leaders during discovery calls — issues that reflect the unique challenges of this moment:
1️⃣ “I’ve hit a ceiling in my role, and there’s no clear path forward.”
2️⃣ “My industry is contracting, and I need to figure out where to pivot next.”
3️⃣ “With layoffs sweeping through major organizations, I’m questioning my own job security.”
4️⃣ “Even with an MBA and years of experience, I’m not seeing the opportunities I expected.”
5️⃣ “Despite exceeding targets and delivering results, promotions seem completely out of reach.”
6️⃣ “I’ve been considering launching my own venture, but the timing feels risky and uncertain.”
7️⃣ “In such a competitive market, how do I position myself to stand out at this level?”
8️⃣ “I want to transition into work I’m truly passionate about, but I worry it won’t provide financial security.”
The Mentality of The Great Frustration

It's not just the numbers. It’s about the mentality these market conditions create— also known as The Great Frustration. People feel stuck, defeated, and unsure of their next move. And when you’re surrounded by stories of layoffs, missed opportunities, and shrinking industries, it’s easy to believe that success is impossible right now.
But here’s the truth: These challenges, while real, don’t have to dictate your trajectory.
Markets move in cycles. Industries rise and fall. What seems like a closed door today could reveal an unexpected opportunity tomorrow—if you’re willing to stay proactive and look for it.
During times like these, the people who thrive aren’t the ones waiting for conditions to improve. They’re the ones who adapt, pivot, and seize opportunities as they come.
How Some Are Finding Success

The clients I work with are finding success by proactively positioning themselves for opportunities. They are:
💡 Landing leadership roles by strategically leveraging their networks, maintaining strong relationships, and staying exposed to key decision-makers, ensuring they’re top of mind when opportunities arise.
💡 Building businesses that align with their passions and market demands, using the downturn to conduct research, develop MVPs, and lay solid foundations so they’re ready to scale when market conditions improve.
💡 Earning promotions by stepping up, standing out, and demonstrating measurable impact in areas that align with business priorities, showcasing their value while others remain cautious.
💡 Diversifying income streams through portfolio careers, advisory positions, and entrepreneurial ventures, creating a blend of stability, growth, and long-term financial resilience.
💡 Upskilling and retraining to stay ahead of market demands, positioning themselves as indispensable assets by gaining expertise in emerging technologies, leadership practices, or industry-specific innovations.
How You Can Find Success
So, how do you turn frustration into progress? Here’s what works:
1️⃣ Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals
When everything feels uncertain, clarity becomes your anchor. What do you actually want in the next 6–12 months? A new job? A promotion to VP? To start a business? Without a clear goal, you’re just spinning your wheels.
2️⃣ Activate Your Network Strategically
Granovetter’s “strength of weak ties” remains highly relevant here. The best opportunities often come from loose connections—former colleagues, classmates, or even acquaintances you met briefly. Reach out. Reconnect. Share your goals.
3️⃣ Take Calculated Risks
Risk is a given, especially in times of uncertainty. But smart risks—whether it’s pitching for a stretch role, launching a side hustle, or exploring a new industry—can pay off big.
4️⃣ Focus on Skills That Matter
AI is changing the game, but it’s also creating opportunities for those who adapt. Whether it’s technical upskilling, leadership training, or soft skills like emotional intelligence, invest in yourself.
5️⃣ Redefine Success
Not every win needs to be a six-figure salary or a corner office. Sometimes, success is building a business that gives you flexibility or finding a role that aligns with your values.
6️⃣ Get your ABCD (Authenticity, Belief, Consistency, Discipline) on
Be unapologetically yourself, believe in the journey, stay consistent in your efforts, and maintain the discipline to see it through. This foundation is non-negotiable for sustainable success.
The Opportunity in Downturns
It’s tempting to treat down cycles as a waiting game—to sit tight and hope for better days. But the truth is, these moments are where the real growth happens. When the market is tough, you have a choice: You can either let frustration paralyze you, or you can use it as fuel to take action.
If you’re ready to do the work, this can be a time of reinvention. A time to explore paths you’ve been too busy—or too scared—to pursue. A time to show up with clarity, purpose, and the kind of mindset that makes opportunities find you.
So why wait?
Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help leaders build high performing teams, amplify their business impact, and advance their careers.
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