Episode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$

Episode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$If you’re stuck in a slow job market or waiting for the right role to come through, how do you keep your bills paid and your career moving? In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, host Jenn Walker Wall explores practical ways to make money without a traditional 9-5 job. Whether you’re between roles or looking to diversify your income, Jenn breaks down the options from portfolio careers and freelancing to contract work and side hustles. Instead of chasing quick fixes, she offers grounded strategies for generating income, building momentum, and staying engaged while the job market recovers.Episode HighlightsHow to differentiate freelance vs. contract work and decide which path makes sense during a job search.The role of fractional and interim leadership jobs in bridging employment gaps.Why ecosystem building and networking for referrals is critical when starting self-employment.Tips for launching a low-barrier side hustle or pilot project without overthinking or overspending.Why creating income outside a corporate job can help prevent career burnout and provide more flexibility.Episode Timestamps02:30 – Why today’s job market is so unpredictable07:10 – What is a portfolio career? (with examples)13:45 – The rise of contract and fractional work19:20 – Turning rejection into a freelance or consulting opportunity24:15 – Easy side hustles that actually pay (including pet sitting and adjunct teaching)28:40 – How to talk about freelance or contract work on your resumeResources and LinksRevive Your Job Search Workshop: September 30th (tickets $47 or free for community members)How to Job Search at the End of the World (On Demand): free with discount code “CAREERSATTHEEND” until September 25thWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunitySCORE Mentorship Program CreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 55: How to Make a Hard Job Search Easier in 2025In this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall provides tips and strategies to make the challenging job search process and market a little easier to navigate. Drawing from extensive observations of various job search patterns, she shares practical advice and emphasizes the importance of customizing resumes and interview strategies, considering freelance or contract work for long-term unemployed individuals, and establishing a balanced job search routine. Additionally, Jenn highlights new offerings and services from Work Wonders Careers and announces the podcast's summer hiatus, inviting listeners to explore the archive and stay tuned for upcoming content.Episodes and Resources:Our job search community is now enrolling >>>You can now purchase How to Job Search at the End of the WorldEpisode 46: Navigating a Long Job Search (Interview with Corey!)03:39 The Timing of Applications04:29 Being a well qualified applicant05:56 Applying with Intention and Integrity07:33 Tailoring Your Approach Throughout the Hiring Process08:15 Considering Freelancing and Contract Work11:02 Managing Your Job Search Routine

Episode 54: How to Use Your Resume in 2025: Getting Traction By Applying Cold OnlineIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World', Jenn Walker Wall, founder of Work Wonders Careers, discusses strategies for making resumes work effectively in 2025. She emphasizes the importance of having a strategic, tailored resume, despite the challenges presented by a tight and competitive job market. Jenn offers tips on how to leverage your resume to stand out as a strong candidate, addresses common misconceptions about resumes and qualifications, and encourages proactive networking. Episodes and Resources Mentioned:Resonate: our resume writing servicesJob Search Community: now enrolling!Episode 26: Are You Qualified for That JobEpisode 27: Throughlines, Hinges, and SpongesEpisode 28: "Do I need multiple versions of my resume?"00:45 The Importance of a Strategic Resume04:38 "Manipulating" Your Resume for Success10:50 Tailoring Your Resume to Job Postings22:01 Networking and Visibility in Job Search

Episode 53: Regret Is a Detour, Not a Dead End: How to Transform Past Decisions into Future MomentumCareer regret is something few of us talk about openly - but nearly all of us carry.In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, we're diving deep into how to transform career regret into redirection, clarity, and renewed confidence. Whether you're navigating a career transition, trying to rebuild self-trust at work, or healing from time spent in toxic workplaces, this episode is here to remind you: your past decisions don’t define your future.Regret isn’t a failure - it’s data. And when you know how to work with it, it can point you toward a more aligned, sustainable version of success.We’ll explore:Why “Regret is a detour, not a dead end”How structural challenges (like capitalism and caregiving) shape our work choicesStrategies for restoring work-life balance after a professional setbackReframing career gaps and nonlinear paths as normal, not shamefulA powerful technique for rewriting regret as a story of possibility (inspired by chaos magic!)03:13 Addressing Career Regret05:36 Understanding the Context of Regret08:53 Reframing Regret into Opportunity14:54 Practical Steps to Overcome RegretIf you’re seeking job search support or simply trying to recalibrate your career with more honesty and self-compassion, this one’s for you.Resources & Links:Learn more about our job search strategy servicesJoin the Work Wonders Career Community before July 10 for summer access!Book mentioned: Weaving Fate: Changing the Past and Telling True Lies by Aidan WachterFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn🎧 If this episode resonated with you, please share it, leave a review, or tag us on social—we’d love to hear what came up for you.

Episode 52: Leveraging LinkedIn for Quiet Visibility: Tactics for Job Seekers, Freelancers, and Business OwnersIn the second episode of our Quiet Visibility series 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall share her favorite tactics for leveraging LinkedIn as a tool for Quiet Visibility. This episode highlights using LinkedIn as a tool to elevate professional visibility without resorting to overly self-promotional tactics. She offers practical advice on setting yourself up for successful engagement by curating a meaningful feed and leveraging LinkedIn functionalities to develop and grow professional relationships. She also emphasizes the importance of approach and consistency over virality and shares 'Quiet Visibility’ as a strategy for intentional presence. Jenn also encourages listeners to re-evaluate their LinkedIn strategies and join the upcoming Quiet Visibility retreat for a more structured plan.Join us live on Wednesday, June 4th for our Quiet Visibility Retreat NightListen to episodes 40, 41, and 42 to learn more about our Professional Eco-System conceptConnect with Jenn on LinkedIn02:56 Curating Your LinkedIn Experience05:12 Engaging on LinkedIn: Tips and Strategies08:08 Using LinkedIn as a Research Tool11:47 Building Professional Relationships on LinkedIn15:54 Consistency and Quality Over Virality

Episode 51: Rebranding the Personal Brand: An Invitation to Quiet VisibilityIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall discusses the concept of rebranding the concept of the personal brand into something you actually want to do - for yourself and your career. She shares easy mindset shifts and effective tactics that can help you create a strong persona brand that attracts opportunities in both the short and long term.Jenn highlights the difference between reflection and revision, and shares insights on quiet visibility tactics that prioritize connection and impact over virality and self-promotion. The episode also covers practical tips for integrating personal branding into your career strategy without feeling insincere or overwhelmed.01:54 The Importance of Personal Branding03:54 You're Already Doing Personal Branding05:19 Quiet Visibility Strategies12:23 Practical Tips for Personal BrandingLinks:Quiet Visibility for Job Seekers and Freelancers Retreat NightNew services for portfolio careerists, self employed, and freelancers

Episode 50: What to Expect if You're Starting Your Job Search Right Now: A Guide for the Employed, Self Employed, and UnemployedIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall discusses the challenges of job searching during a period of economic and political instability (recorded in April 2025). She addresses the wide-reaching impact of layoffs across various industries and offers practical advice for job seekers and potential job seekers. Jenn emphasizes the importance of preparing for an extended job search and considering interim work opportunities. She also highlights the significance of having effective job application materials, leveraging your professional eco-systems, and staying visible and proactive despite the challenging environment.01:14 Challenges in the Job Market04:26 Advice for Active Job Seekers14:42 Advice for Passive Job Seekers19:12 Self-Employed and Freelancers: Navigating the MarketJoin our Retreat Night on 5/6Join our May Job Search Cohort

Is Your Job Search Technical...or Relational?When most people think about job searching, they imagine polishing their resume, tailoring cover letters, and applying to as many jobs as possible. But here’s the thing: that’s just the technical side of the search.In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, we’re digging into what really sets our approach apart—the relational job search. This conversation will help you assess which approach you're using and how to realign your strategy to reflect your values, priorities, and actual goals.Whether you’re just starting your search, feeling stuck in the middle of it, or looking to support your long-term career evolution, this episode offers fresh insight, gentle guidance, and a way forward that doesn’t require you to contort yourself to succeed.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:What defines a technical job search—and why it often leads to burnout.Why the relational approach leads to more authentic, aligned opportunities.How your relationship with yourself, your career, and your community shapes your success.Simple mindset shifts and strategies to bring more clarity, confidence, and connection into your job search.The hidden pitfalls of conventional career advice—and how to reframe networking, interviews, and resumes.✨ Key Takeaways:You’re more than your resume. Build a relationship with your work that honors who you are.Technical strategies matter—but they’re not enough on their own.Authenticity is a job search strategy.Nurturing your professional ecosystem is the new networking.If your job search feels inauthentic, it might be time to shift from performative to purposeful.💬 Episode Quote:"Job searching isn’t just about landing a job. It’s about building a life—and career—you don’t have to contort yourself to fit into."🧭 Ready to shift from a technical to a relational job search?Join the Spring Job Search Cohort or check out our Spring Retreat Night series over on our website. You'll get complimentary access to all 3 Retreat Nights when you sign up for our Community Cohort or any private 1:1 job search strategy services before May 5th!Keywords:job search strategy, relational job search, technical job search, career coaching, resume tips, job interview mindset, professional ecosystem, authentic job search, career alignment, values-driven job search, mission driven professionals, networking for introverts, job search burnout

In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, host Jenn Walker Wall shares a powerful reflection question inspired by the Magician card from the Tarot. Jenn discusses the importance of balance among the four elements—earth, air, water, and fire—in achieving goals, particularly in the context of a job search. Through this metaphor, she emphasizes the need for emotional investment, stability, creative ideas, and actionable energy, and addresses common imbalances. Tune in for insightful advice on taking strategic and consistent action in navigating career challenges.Learn more about Work Wonders CareersFollow Jenn on LinkedIn

Episode 47: Assess Your Job Search Like a Pro: What Kind of Job Search Support Do You Need to Move Forward?In this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall, founder of Work Wonders Careers, walks job seekers through the importance of assessing their job search strategies. She shares her own assessment process, explaining how identifying tactical bottlenecks can help job seekers select the appropriate next steps for their efforts. Jenn discusses different scenarios job seekers might face, from those needing a simple resume update to individuals struggling with confidence due to toxic work environments. She details various services like resume writing, job search strategy sessions, and interview preparation, while highlighting the importance of tracking job applications and remaining patient and strategic. .00:14 Understanding the Job Search Assessment Process01:29 Identifying Job Search Challenges08:38 Tailoring Your Job Search Strategy13:10 Navigating Job Offers and Interviews24:54 Leveraging Job Search Communities and Resources26:33 Final Thoughts and EncouragementRegister for our Winter Cohort now >>>