By Jennifer Scheck, guest contributor
One certainty in life is change.
Some changes can be intentional such as graduating college, starting a first job, getting married or having children.
Other changes can be unexpected including illness, job loss, divorce, infertility, loss of a spouse or loved one, or being a caregiver to a parent or child.
These changes often impact finances, career paths, choices and goals requiring adjustments to align with the needs of our current circumstances or seasons.
My career preparation began as a college student with an architectural engineering scholarship, two summers of studying abroad and graduating with master’s degrees in secondary math and German education.
I married, started a career as a high school math and German teacher, chose to stay home with my three children when they were young, became an adjunct math professor and substitute teacher, restored/remodeled five homes, moved to a new state, participated in and led various volunteer endeavors and actively pursued my faith and discipleship.
I divorced, pivoted careers from education to business, became a financial analyst, then associate financial planner, achieved my Certified Financial Planner® certification and earned my current role as the first female lead financial planner at Syverson Strege.
Parts of my life were scripted and planned, other parts were unexpected and unanticipated. All parts of my life I’ve chosen to live with integrity, authenticity and intention. My pursuits prioritized God, family and career – in that order. That framework has guided all my decisions both personally and professionally.
I often say you can do it all, just not always at the same time. I do not do halfway or mediocre well. I am all in or all out. Every stage of my life has required me to assess choices and lifestyle and their alignment with my call in those critical moments of change. My path was not straight, but my vision and priorities were. Our uniqueness and authenticity truly lead us to that which is most fulfilling.
Whether considering a career pivot or needing to adapt to a phase of life, embrace CHANGE.
Chase big dreams – I frequently post “Dream it. Plan it. Do it. Repeat.” Goals are how I am wired. The dream excites me. The plan empowers me. Doing makes it happen. And the thrill of the achievement inspires me to want to do it again. Maintain high expectations and be continually discerning if your choice, energy and focus is aligning to your dream, need or goal.
Honor your skills and talents – When you update your resume, include your degrees and professional experiences but also your unpaid and volunteer endeavors. Request friends and respected professionals review it to provide feedback. Thoroughly research your next move and be discerning and selective. Value your value.
Authentically move forward – Finding the right opportunity requires being authentic and transparent. Provide equal opportunity for a prospective employer to hire or decline you by being truthful. Closed doors are as important as open doors to truly guide you to a role that aligns with your skills and goals. Keep the blinders on and dial in to your conviction, joy and peace. Comparison will lead you in the direction of someone else’s goals. Stay locked in on the path that will fulfill your purpose and serve you in this season.
Negotiate wisely – Career pivots that align with current needs and goals could require a lateral move. Recognize opportunities that align with long-term goals when entering a new field or career but also recognize your worth when you have earned it. Life seasons and fulfillment may lead you to lesser income or more. Living in your passions is priceless. And work culture, home/work balance and time off are valuable.
Grow and learn – If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got. Act. Make the call. Connect for coffee. Step out of your comfort zone. Keep moving in the direction of the goal. Learn new skills, identify value add and crunch the numbers. When you must start over, it is an opportunity to get to start over. “What am I going to do now?” can take on a powerful and exciting meaning.
Enter into silence – Change often brings with it stress, uncertainty, fear, responsibilities, options and opinions. Gathering information and seeking mentoring and advice is important, but a decision needs to be made in the stillness of your heart. Quiet the noise. What path empowers you, settles you, brings peace and consolation? What direction causes distress, unsettling, anxiety and discouragement? Peace does not mean easy. Sometimes the most challenging direction brings the most beautiful consolation.
Change requires reflection, fortitude and courage. Each life change – planned or unexpected – serves a specific purpose. Accepting and embracing change creates a life of fulfillment and abundance, leading us on paths we may never have dreamed. What change are you facing? Step into it with the excitement of a new adventure. Perseverance leads to the mountaintop. Enjoy the climb. It can be the best part.
Dream it. Plan it. Do it. Repeat.
Jennifer Scheck is a financial planner at Syverson Strege and is one of the firm’s Certified Financial Planner® professionals. Scheck joined Syverson Strege in 2019 as an associate financial planner. She became the firm’s first female lead financial planner in 2025.
