What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life?

In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with John Tarnoff, an executive coach who rebuilt his career after the tech bubble burst and now helps mid-career professionals rediscover purpose and confidence.

John shares how to:

• Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience.

• Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward.

• Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths.

• Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready.

• Create community instead of just “networking.”

If you’re a dad redefining success, shifting careers, or searching for meaningful work that fits real life, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Dig Deeper

Pema Chödrön https://pemachodronfoundation.org

Gampo Abbey https://gampoabbey.org/

Comfortable with Uncertainty https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc

Julia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/

The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/4hClP5h

Ikigai https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html

Ikigai Venn diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg

You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk

Follow John

John Tarnoff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/

Mid-Career Lab community https://midcareerlab.com/

John Tarnoff website https://johntarnoff.com/

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What if the goal isn’t just finding work, but finding work that fits your life?

Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads balancing career, family, and purpose. Hosted by entrepreneur and dad Michael Jacobs, each week features real conversations with fathers, founders, and experts who are redefining success and creating careers that fit real life.

If you’re navigating career change, exploring freelance or flexible work, or looking for meaningful work without missing the moments that matter most, this show is for you.

In this trailer, hear what’s coming: honest stories, practical strategies, and a few laughs along the way.

Follow or subscribe to Gap to Gig on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice to start building a life that feels like yours, not someone else’s version of success.

Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com

Follow Gap to Gig

On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig

On TikTok: tiktok.com/gaptogig

On X: x.com/gaptogig

On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg

Follow Michael

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/