Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16547&preview=true) 

Changing careers can feel daunting, especially when fear, guilt, or long-held beliefs about who you should be start to surface. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Carissa Kerrissey explains why career pivots are far more common than people realize and how our brain’s natural negativity bias can make change feel harder than it is. Carissa breaks down myths like “I’m too old to start over” and shows how identity, purpose, and shifting values often signal that it’s time to explore a new direction.

She also shares practical steps for navigating the inner critic, recognizing the transferable skills you already have, and using your core values to guide your next move. If you’re burned out, feeling stuck, or simply ready for a fresh start, Carissa’s advice offers a clear, encouraging path toward work that fits who you are today.



About Our Guest:



Carissa Kerrissey is the founder of Future Forward Careers. Carissa’s company helps burned-out teachers and mission-driven professionals reclaim energy, rediscover purpose, and transition into fulfilling work.




Resources in This Episode:



Connect with Carissa on LinkedIn.




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Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16578&preview=true) 

Career pivots rooted in relationships can often lead to meaningful work. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Melanie Klym, Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers, shares why she loves protecting rivers across the Pacific Northwest. She also reflects on how she knew it was time to leave private engineering consulting and move into the nonprofit sector to expand her impact and better align her work with her values.

Melanie talks through the job search habits that have shaped her career path, including informational interviews, volunteering, and working with mentors over time. By reaching out to people she admired, staying curious about different career paths, and building relationships before roles were posted, she found a position that was a strong fit. Her takeaways for job seekers: focus on people, stay engaged in your community, and think of networking as something you do throughout your career — not just during a job search.

About Our Guest:

Melanie Klym is the Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers. 

Resources in This Episode:



Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn. 

To learn more about Melanie Klym’s job search, visit macslist.org/stories.


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Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16517&preview=true)

It’s easier than ever to apply online, but relying only on job boards can leave you feeling overlooked and unsure of your next step. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career and leadership coach Swati Parikh shares why conversations remain the most effective way to move your search forward. Swati explains how talking to people helps you learn what employers value, understand whether a role is the right fit, and avoid the discouragement that comes from sending applications into the void.

She also demystifies informational interviews, offering guidance on what to ask, how to prepare, and why showing a little vulnerability can actually strengthen your connections. Swati highlights how building relationships can connect you with opportunities you won’t find online. If you’re looking for a more connected, effective job search strategy, this episode shares how talking to people can lead you to the job you want.

About Our Guest:



Swati Parikh is the founder of Greater Good Careers. It’s a career and leadership coaching business for mission-driven professionals and lawyers.




Resources in This Episode:


Connect with Swati on LinkedIn.


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Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16513&preview=true)

Negotiating a job offer shapes far more than your first day on the job. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, HR expert Marcia Torres shares why your starting salary influences future raises, bonuses, and long-term earning potential — and why employers expect candidates to ask questions, review their offers carefully, and advocate for what they need. Marcia also talks about the value of taking 24 hours to read through an offer, getting clear on your bottom line, and using reliable salary data to understand where you should land in a range.

She then walks through what candidates can negotiate beyond base pay, including job titles, professional development funds, PTO, and other benefits that make up a full compensation package. Marcia offers practical, down-to-earth guidance on how to approach these conversations collaboratively, build rapport with recruiters, and make a thoughtful decision about your next role.

About Our Guest:



Marcia Torres is the founder of Imagen Talent Solutions.


Resources in This Episode:


Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn



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Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16563&preview=true) 

On Nov. 12, we hosted our final quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with B Local PDX. More than 200 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values.” In this recording of our conversation, you’ll hear grounded, hopeful advice for navigating a tough job market and finding work that feels meaningful. 

Our panelists talk about staying motivated, managing burnout, and taking steady, realistic steps toward roles that reflect your values. They share practical strategies such as volunteering, networking, and informational interviews that will help you build connections and find opportunities across Portland’s B Corps, nonprofits, government agencies, and values-aligned for-profits.

About Our Guests:

Wesley Griffin, executive director of B Local PDX



Panelists



Charles McGee, director of operations, Workplace Change




Brandi Oldham, MHR, founder, Talent Career Coaching




Nicole Stein, director of social impact and sustainability, Killian Pacific




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