We recently connected with Dr. Lynn Chang and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Lynn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

“Go now. Leave your job.”- the angels

Years ago something quite pivotal happened that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. I went to a self-care workshop and towards the end, the teacher had us pick an angel card. The student before me drew a “Drink more water” card and I shrugged it off, not convinced this advice was exactly what she needed to hear but ok. Then when it was my turn, and I drew an angel card that told me to leave my job! I loved my job at the university but it was draining my energy and I was unable to find my zen and balance. Were the angels seriously telling me to quit?

I loved the work that I did and the people I was able to help. I had no idea what could be next. And after being worried and scared for two days, I woke up on the third day with a feeling of overwhelming peace and knowing. I had the biggest smile on my face and I just knew there was nothing to fear except not following my heart and my light. I turned in my resignation letter that day and the rest, as they say, is herstory.

This divine moment shapes my approach to Career Zen. I teach my clients that when you know something, overthinking is the enemy. If you know something deeply and truly and if action will allow you to shine brightly for the world to see, then trust is all you can offer the universe. When you trust yourself and trust the zen that comes from alignment in your career, everything else will fall into place. That’s Career Zen!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In households around the world, the night before starting work after a few days off brings with it a feeling of dread. Many Americans call this feeling the “Sunday Scaries” and they’re referring to the anxiety associated with going back to the office Monday morning. My life’s work and greatest passion is to transform these Sunday Scaries into a feeling of excited anticipation for my Career Zen clients. Many of my clients seek my guidance when they stop enjoying their careers. Often they wake up without excitement and joy. The idea behind Career Zen is to help my clients curate their career path based on their values and their gifts. Many people head to the job boards when things aren’t going well at work, but I challenge this process and guide my clients through getting unstuck and accessing career clarity before starting the job search process. When there is alignment, I’ve found that the rest follows.

I help my clients create balance within before identifying a career path that will best allow them to shine their light into the world. Finding balance between our minds, bodies, and spirits is a process that requires dedication, and the results are incredible. I take an East meets West approach to my coaching. I have a doctorate in counseling psychology which allows me to dig deep with my clients into their situation. Afterwards, yoga and meditation to calm the mind and hear the whispers of the heart combined with the wisdom that is deep within helps my clients forge new paths quickly. Career assessments and a deep dive into career possibilities are also a part of the process, but alignment and zen are always first. For twenty years, I’ve been honored to watch my clients regain confidence in their own abilities and reignite the spark within. Allowing the inner light that resides within us all to shine bright for everyone to see can yield incredible results when applied to our career paths. When we’re working from a place of zen, we become fulfilled, excited, and more successful.

Some of my clients are looking for a complete career shift while others are in need of a mindset reset in order to approach their work with renewed energy. No matter where you find yourself in your career journey, if you are not feeling joy and enthusiasm when you wake up for work in the morning, Career Zen could be right for you. Sometimes even a single conversation can help with realignment and nudge you in a direction of purpose, passion, and meaningful work.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My parents are truly incredible people. They moved to the US to study and obtain their doctorates and to forge an opportunity filled life here. Growing up first-generation Chinese-American, it was pressed upon me that education and a stable career are vital to success. My parents told me when I entered my university studies that I could choose any major other than psychology. A practical career path is emphasized in Chinese culture; I was taught to prioritize practicality and to make decisions based on my family’s needs.

I tried to follow the path that would appease my family and worked hard to pursue a STEM career. Practicality, however, was making me practically miserable. I earned average grades and felt like every step to class was a chore. I was unhappy. But then I found psychology and social sciences. My world opened up. I was finding my career zen and my light. I did extra reading, took extra classes, researched during my down time, and I truly came alive. Even though my choice was at odds with the path my parents desired for me, I knew I couldn’t be wrong because it felt completely right.

I was torn for quite a while. I had to unlearn my approach to career and family and learn instead to balance the respect that I had (and will always have) for the elders, the appreciation I have for Chinese culture, and also recognize that I was born in America so I am just as much American as I am Chinese. I found my middle ground. I’m able to remain grounded in my Chinese culture and forge my own career fulfillment. That’s why the East Meets West approach to my work is truly the core of who I am!

Just like the decision to leave a job that in some ways felt right but also wasn’t the right choice at the time, I trusted myself. And the ability to know yourself, trust yourself, and then act with your heart leading instead of your overthinking brain is the story I help my clients write for their own lives. We know deep down inside what is right for us. It’s the courage to take action that sometimes has to be unlocked.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

As a career counselor, surprisingly I don’t care too much about job titles and professions. I care more about how we’re each living our lives to better the world. I want all of my clients to feel nimble in their careers so they can have a lifetime of fulfillment. That’s why this question fills me with joy and light!

I know that my path includes helping people and I’m open to the many different career paths that may accompany that journey. I have an entire life to live, and as I continue on my journey, I am open to shifts that may come my way, and lead my life with an open heart in pursuit of purpose and zen and joy. If that means that someday I shift into another beautiful journey, I will follow. My purpose will always be to lift others up with joy and zen and to show them their own specialness, their uniqueness, and the importance of their gifts. I will continue to help people share their talents with the world no matter the job title or what I do, and I hope that all of my clients do the same.

We have an opportunity as humans on this planet to lift each other up. May your light shine brightly, friends. Namaste!

Contact Info:

• Website: career-zen.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/careerzen
• Facebook: facebook.com/mycareerzen
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lynnchangphd
• Youtube: youtube.com/c/careerzen
• Yelp: yelp.com/biz/career-zen-austin
• E-courses: zenuniversity.thinkific.com

Image Credits
B&L Creative and Manny Pandya