Hey Reader,

Welcome to issue #004 of The Next Chapter, a career planning newsletter for LGBTQ+ professionals.

This week, I'm covering:

• Giving yourself options when you're unhappy at work
• Finding LGBTQ+ professional networks
• Job boards designed for marginalized job seekers
• A no-nonsense resume template

I'm glad you're here. Let's dive in.

Unhappy at work? Give yourself options

Pretty much everyone has been unhappy in a job at some point in their career.

If you're in that position right now, the idea of just walking away might sound pretty liberating. But before you do, I recommend mapping out a few different scenarios for moving forward. Having options gives you more control and can lead to better outcomes.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Can you solve this without leaving your company?

• If the issue is with your manager, is there an option to transfer teams?
• If you're bored or hitting a plateau, what kind of stretch project or learning opportunity would re-engage you?
• If it's about compensation or title, what would you want to negotiate for?

If you're set on leaving, what's your timeline?

• Do you have the time and energy to job search while employed? (Lower risk)
• Would taking some time off help you approach your search with fresh energy? (Medium risk)
• Do you need to leave now, even without something lined up? (Higher risk)

What are you really looking for?

• What would need to change for you to feel satisfied in your work?
• Is this about the specific job, or is this signaling that you want a bigger life change?

As you weigh different paths, make pro/con lists. Have informational interviews or coffee chats with people who've made similar transitions. Consult with loved ones who know you well.

And remember: some options require a baseline of workplace safety. Trust yourself about what's realistic in your situation.

Job boards for marginalized job seekers

Here's something I wish more people knew: there are job boards specifically designed to connect historically marginalized job seekers with employers who are actively looking for them.

I've pulled together dozens of these platforms in a free Equity Directory. You can filter by identity, industry, career stage, and other factors to find the ones that match your search.

Networking, but make it gay

I’ll be honest: I don’t like being the only queer person in the room. I know I’m not alone in this.

In moments of transition, some people turn to professional organizations and communities to meet new folks. These are often designed with a specific industry (like tech) or profession (like design) in mind.

Consider adding another layer to it: identity.

LGBTQ+ professional groups can help you build community with people who get it—they’re more likely to understand the specific considerations that come with being queer in your field. You can have honest conversations about navigating workplace dynamics, finding affirming employers, or making career decisions without having to edit yourself.

To find groups relevant to you, try searching for:

• "LGBTQ [your industry]" like "LGBTQ tech professionals"
• "LGBTQ [your profession] association" like "LGBTQ lawyers association"
• "[Your city] LGBTQ professionals" or "[your city] LGBTQ chamber of commerce"

Also look for employee resource groups (ERGs) at larger companies in your field. Even if you don't work there, some host public events or networking sessions.

These communities can help with job leads, mentorship, and informational interviews. But just as importantly, they remind you that you're not alone in figuring this out.

A no-nonsense resume template

Your resume should make it easy for the reader to see how your accomplishments have positioned you as the best person to solve their problems.

That means leading with impact and keeping your design simple.

If you dread the thought of designing and formatting your resume, I recently developed a resume template with a writing guide to help you make the most of it.

The template is designed with a mock candidate profile to show you how to make your experience shine (without those unhelpful RPG-style skill bars).

The writing guide includes topics like:

• Common myths about applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Making your experience compelling and impact-focused
• Tailoring strategies to avoid starting from scratch every time
• Practical AI prompts for when you're stuck on wording

Grab your copy below:

$10.00 Resume Template and Writing Guide Save yourself time (and stress) with this ready-to-use resume template and comprehensive writing guide. You'll get a... Read more Get it now!

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Tell me what’s on your mind

I want this newsletter to be community-driven. It’s meant for you, so it should be valuable to you.

Future issues will look different and cover different topics. I’ll be experimenting and collecting feedback along the way, so don’t be shy about hitting the ‘Reply’ button.

Tell me what you’d love to see—it might just end up in the next issue.

See you next week.