Navigating Career Conversations with Family: Expert Tips from INICIVOX® Mentors

Family gatherings can be a minefield of career-related questions, especially when you feel your professional progress hasn’t matched expectations. How do you avoid the awkwardness and set boundaries on what you want to share? How can you feel more confident and in control during these conversations? Our expert #relationship#mentors offer their insights on processing family career questions and responding with confidence.

Expert Panelists:

Natalie Baird-King, Esq.

• Author of “Forgiving Unforgivable”
• Founder of Natalie Baird Mediations
• Founder of Forgiving Unforgivable

Suezette Yasmin Robotham, M.S.

• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Tech Executive

Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D.

• Clinical Psychologist & Anxiety Expert
• Author of “Nervous Energy”
• USA Today Bestselling Author
• Founder & Head of Practice, Dr. Chloe

Moderator: Amy Summers

• Founder & Director, INICIVOX®
• Founder & President, Pitch Publicity®

Setting Boundaries and Building Confidence

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel uneasy when discussing your career with family. Recognize these feelings as valid and take a moment to breathe before responding.

2. Prepare Your Responses: Think ahead about how you want to address career questions. Craft a few neutral responses that you feel comfortable sharing, such as, “I’m focusing on developing my skills right now.”

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Politely but firmly let family members know if you prefer not to discuss certain aspects of your career. You might say, “I appreciate your interest, but I’d rather talk about something else today.”

4. Shift the Focus: Redirect the conversation to topics you feel more comfortable discussing. Ask about their interests or share a recent non-career-related experience.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Remember that your career journey is unique to you. Be kind to yourself and recognize that progress isn’t always linear.

6. Seek Support: If you find these conversations particularly challenging, consider discussing them with a mentor or therapist who can provide additional strategies and support.

The INICIVOX® Advantage

At INICIVOX®, our mission is to democratize mentorship through virtual means, breaking down barriers and providing easier access to career development resources.