Career Uprising

In this farewell episode, Lorraine Rise reflects on her seven-year journey of podcasting, celebrating the completion of 200 episodes. Learn why now is the right time to bring the show to an end and the future holds for Lorraine and Career UpRising.  Thank you for listening - and for 200 episodes!

What will the job market look like in 2026? Lorraine takes a guess. The conversation delves into the current job market, highlighting the significant skills gap affecting various industries. While sectors like healthcare, tech, and AI are experiencing a surge in demand for skilled workers, others, particularly in white-collar and entry-level positions, are facing tighter hiring conditions. Lorraine emphasizes the cautious approach companies are taking towards hiring, characterized by selective processes and prolonged interview rounds.

In Episode 198, Lorraine delves into the complexities of job hopping from a recruiter's perspective. As the job market evolves, so do the perceptions of short job tenures.  Lorraine discusses how job hopping can be both a challenge and an opportunity, offering insights into how to frame your career story effectively. Whether you're worried about changing jobs too often or staying too long, this episode provides practical advice on navigating your career path in today's dynamic workforce. Tune in to learn how to present your job history in a way that highlights growth, adaptability, and value.

In this episode, Lorraine Rise delves into the challenging landscape of job searching amidst a tough economy. As the year draws to a close, many are grappling with the harsh realities of rejection in their job search. Lorraine offers a candid discussion on the emotional toll of repeated rejections and the importance of resilience. She emphasizes that not all rejections are personal and encourages listeners to reframe their experiences as opportunities for growth and learning.

Gen Z has entered the workforce — and they're shaking things up. From redefining success to prioritizing balance and authenticity, they're challenging old norms and reshaping what work looks like. In this episode, Lorraine Rise explores how Gen Z's values are influencing leadership, company culture, and even hiring practices. As both a career coach and a parent of a Gen Z teen, she shares insight into bridging the gap between generations.

Got an adult child who can't find work and move out? You're not alone. This trend is growing. In this unique episode, Lorraine discusses the challenges faced by young adults entering the job market and how parents can support them without overstepping. She emphasizes the importance of coaching over doing, encouraging parents to guide their children in identifying strengths, conducting informational interviews, and setting boundaries.

Lorraine Rise delves into the critical importance of aligning your career with your core values. As the government shutdown continues, Lorraine shares personal insights and practical exercises to help you identify your values and evaluate company cultures. Discover how to ask the right questions during interviews to ensure a perfect fit and avoid culture clashes. Whether you're seeking purpose, autonomy, or collaboration, this episode provides the tools to navigate your career with intention and clarity. Tune in to transform your job search into a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

You asked, and Lorraine answers! In this episode, we're diving into real questions from our listeners—covering everything from job searches to career transitions, networking, and more. Get practical advice, insider tips, and strategies you can use to advance your career—straight from the source. Here are a few of the questions Lorraine answers in this episode: How long should resumes be in 2025? How can I re-enter the workforce after taking several years off? Why do candidates get ghosted by recruiters?

The job market has never been tougher—and it's affecting candidates at ALL career levels. How long are job searches taking? How can you sustain yourself emotionally and financially during a long search? In this episode, Lorraine breaks down the current hiring landscape, shares eye-opening stats on job search timelines, and offers practical strategies to help you stand out, stay resilient, and land your next role. Plus, actionable tips for managing the financial and emotional challenges of a long job search.

Lorraine has stepped back into the recruiting world, and she’s here to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the hiring process. In this episode, she’s sharing five common mistakes that job seekers make — mistakes that they think will help, but in reality, only frustrate recruiters and actually hurt their chances of getting hired. From applying to too many roles to submitting duplicate applications, these missteps don’t make you look more competitive — they make you look unfocused and desperate. The good news? Each of these mistakes is easy to avoid once you know what recruiters are really looking for. If you want to stop spinning your wheels and start getting noticed for the right reasons, this episode is a must-listen.

AI might be everywhere in the job search—but it won’t land you the job. You will. In Episode 190 of Career UpRising, Lorraine unpacks the truth and lies about AI in your career search. Discover where AI can actually help—and where it can’t replace your authenticity, strategy, and human connection.

What’s the first thing you reach for in the morning? For years, mine was my phone—emails, texts, news alerts—before I even got out of bed. The result? Stress and overwhelm before my day even started. That’s why I made a change: tech-free mornings. In this episode of Career UpRising, I share how unplugging during the first hour of the day reduced my stress, boosted my productivity, and gave me a calmer, clearer start. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the scroll, this episode will show you how a small shift in your mornings can ripple into your entire day. Listen now!

In this episode, we dive into the all-too-common feeling of being behind in your career. Lorraine explores personal stories and actionable strategies to help you redefine success and find your unique path. Listen for actionable guidance on overcoming the feeling of being behind and learn the critical questions to ask yourself in order to move forward in your career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot, this episode offers inspiration and guidance to help you move forward with confidence. Tune in and discover how to turn perceived setbacks into stepping stones for growth. To learn more about Lorraine and Career UpRising, go to www.careeruprising.com.

In this episode, we delve into the art of managing emotions during challenging times in life. Discover practical strategies and personal stories from Lorraine's life that illuminate the path to emotional resilience. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or supporting others, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you find balance and strength. Tune in to explore how understanding and embracing our emotions can lead to personal growth and healing. Learn more and listen to the archive at www.careeruprising.com/podcast.

Lorraine has made a change to the Career UpRising show! Listen as she shares a quick update on the show format and status. Hear the latest about Career UpRising and what to expect from the show in the future!  Learn more and listen to the full archive at www.careeruprising.com 

What really happens when you walk away from the career you've known? In this inspiring episode, Lorraine speaks with Raymond Lee, founder of Careerminds and host of Clocking Out: Real Talk on Career Transitions. With decades of experience helping professionals navigate layoffs, retirement, and major pivots, Raymond shares powerful stories and insights from the frontlines of career change. Together, they dive into the emotional journey of transition—what it means to let go, redefine success, and discover what’s next. In this episode, we discuss: How to navigate the uncertainty of career transitions Why mindset and planning are critical in every stage Real stories of resilience and reinvention The human side of layoffs, retirement, and starting over Whether you’re choosing change or it’s been thrust upon you, this conversation offers wisdom, perspective, and hope.

Why do so many high-achieving women stay stuck—even when they’re craving change? In this powerful episode, Lorraine sits down with Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, an executive coach and expert in leadership transformation, to explore what it really takes to navigate career transitions with clarity and courage. Cynthia shares actionable tools like the Now, Near, Next framework and the 7-Minute Pivot Practice, designed to help women take control of their careers—without burning it all down. From breaking mindset traps to embracing restlessness as a sign of growth, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for women ready to lead with purpose. Tune in now to hear how the smallest shifts can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Learn more about Cynthia here: https://nownearnext.net/ https://www.bentzenperformancepartners.com/  

Laid off—now what? In this empowering episode, Lorraine talks with author and marketing strategist Steve Jaffe, who’s been through four corporate layoffs. Together, they unpack the emotional journey of job loss and how to rebuild with confidence, clarity, and purpose. You’ll learn how to: Navigate the stages of layoff grief Reclaim your career identity Build resilience for what’s next Tune in and discover why your layoff might be the beginning—not the end.

What does it really take to land a job in today’s competitive market? In this insightful episode, Lorraine speaks with Bradley Stair, a marketing professional who is currently job searching. He shares his experience with the emotional and strategic ups and downs of the modern job search. From rejection to resilience, Bradley shares real-world advice to help job seekers stay motivated and move forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: The emotional journey of job searching How to bounce back from rejection and stay confident The role of mindset in attracting the right opportunities Whether you’re actively job hunting or just starting to explore what’s next, this conversation will help you navigate the job search with clarity and strategy. Learn more at www.careeruprising.com Learn more about Bradley Stair at www.thejobseekersjourney.com

Is career reinvention after 50 possible? Absolutely. In this episode, Lorraine speaks with Kavita Ahuja, a Certified Career and Life Transitions Coach, and the host of The Midlife Reinvention podcast. After a successful 25-year corporate career, Kavita reinvented herself at age 52 and now helps women rediscover their passions and align their careers with their true purpose. As the founder of It’s My Time Now Coaching and creator of the Pyramid of Reinvention®, Kavita’s approach guides women through rediscovery and Inspired Action. She shares her journey and insights into how midlife can be a time for new beginnings, not endings. In this episode, we discuss: The challenges of career reinvention after 50 How to align your career with your passions Building confidence and clarity for the next chapter This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a fulfilling career after 50. Learn more at www.careeruprising.com Learn more about Kavita Ahuja at www.itsmytimenowcoaching.com