For many mid- to senior-level business professionals, a career isn’t just a job — it’s the “baby” we’ve nurtured for decades. The roles we’ve held, the strategies we’ve built, the teams we’ve led — all of it becomes part of our professional identity. We’ve invested years of experience, education, and relationships. And because of that, it’s hard to see when parts of our career narrative no longer serve us.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: sometimes our baby is ugly. Not unworthy. Not unfixable. Just… not as attractive to today’s market as we wish it were.
The phrase “your baby is ugly” isn’t meant to insult — it’s meant to challenge us. In the context of career transition, it means stepping back and asking: is the way I’m presenting myself aligned with what employers actually want right now?
Here are a few signals it might be time to call your career baby ugly:
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Your Résumé Isn’t Opening Doors. If you’re not getting interviews, the issue isn’t always the market. Sometimes, it’s how you’re framing your story.
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Feedback Keeps Repeating. If recruiters, mentors, or peers consistently point out gaps or outdated skills, it’s a sign to adapt rather than defend.
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You’re Stuck in “Explaining Mode.” If you find yourself justifying why employers should value your past experience, instead of clearly showing your fit for the future, something’s off.
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The Energy-to-Return Ratio Is Low. If you’re pouring hours into applications and networking without meaningful traction, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Calling your baby ugly in a career transition doesn’t mean abandoning your experience. It means reframing, rebranding, and repositioning so that what you’ve built is relevant, clear, and compelling to today’s decision-makers.
The professionals who thrive in transition aren’t the ones who cling to the past. They’re the ones who accept tough feedback, pivot strategically, and market themselves with confidence.
The question is — are you ready to call your career baby ugly and reshape it into something the market truly wants?
Curt Skene
FOUNDER
The Career Network Club
If you are a North American mid- to senior-level business professional in career transition, feel free to reach out to discover how the cnc-community can help you. At just $45 a month our goal is to be the best and most affordable solution out there for you.
cnc-community.com