#114: The Messy Middle: How Kim Kept Moving Forward When Everything Changed

<p>What happens when your life falls apart… at the same time you’re trying to rebuild it? </p><p>When Kim Reed left teaching, it wasn’t part of a carefully planned transition, it was a breaking point. </p><p>After 14 years as a middle school band director, Kim found herself physically unable to keep going. </p><p>She didn’t have a plan. </p><p>She didn’t have a safety net, and she had no idea what was next. </p><p>In this deeply honest Messy Middle conversation, Kim shares what it really looks like to walk away from everything you thought your life would be and rebuild from the ground up. </p><p>From taking microscopic steps forward… to navigating self-doubt and embarrassment… to discovering a career she didn’t even know existed. </p><p>Her story is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be real and sometimes, the breakthrough comes when you least expect it. </p><p>In fact, between the time she signed up for this podcast and the day we recorded it, Kim received and accepted a full-time job offer as a Customer Success Manager. </p><p>We talk about: </p><p>✨ What it feels like when your body tells you it’s time to leave </p><p>✨ How to move forward when you have no plan </p><p>✨ Why tiny steps actually matter</p><p>✨ And what it takes to rebuild confidence after walking away </p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re starting over, this is your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just keep going. </p><p><strong>Links from Episode: </strong></p><p><br><strong>» Connect with Kim:</strong>  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyreed2/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyreed2/</a><br><strong>» Join my Free Masterclass:</strong> <a href="https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/masterclass-registration">Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.</a><br><strong>» Keep Learning With Me: </strong><a href="https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/home3">Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy</a><br><strong>» Join our FB Group: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnworld/?mibextid=oMANbw">A thriving community of support and resources.</a><br><strong>» Download the Career Directory:</strong> <a href="http://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/directory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discover over 200+ alternative careers.</a><br><strong>» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast”</strong> If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career.<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-classroom/id1741667553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a><strong>, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.</strong><br>» Also, if you haven’t done so already,<strong> follow the podcast.</strong> I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-classroom/id1741667553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow now</a><strong>!</strong></p>