- The Career Compass by Luke Gough
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- The Career Compass #41: Rewriting Your Career Story
In partnership with
The Career Compass – Edition 41
Helping you navigate your career with clarity and confidence
By Luke Gough – Career Coach | Consultant | Ex-Golf Pro turned Recruiter
This Week’s Focus: Rewriting Your Career Story
Let’s get real for a second.
There comes a point in many of our careers when we look around and think: “Is this it?”
It doesn’t always mean you hate your job. Sometimes, it just means you’ve outgrown it—or you’re being pulled in a new direction, but you’re not sure if it’s foolish to follow that instinct.
Here’s what I want you to know: career changes are not just for the lost or the young. They’re for anyone who’s ready to grow.
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.
This week, I’m opening up about my own story—from being a professional golfer to diving headfirst into recruitment. The identity shift, the internal doubts, the things I wish I’d known sooner… it’s all in the video. And I hope it inspires you to reflect on your next bold move.
Featured Video of the Week: I Ditched Golf for Recruitment… BEST Decision Ever?
From swinging clubs to screening candidates—my career change was unexpected, but incredibly fulfilling.
In this video, I share:
The exact moment I knew I had to walk away from golf.
How a single coffee meeting with someone in my network changed my life.
What I learned from the highs and lows of transitioning into the corporate world.
Watch it now and see why it’s never too late to pivot.
Career Pivots Aren’t Failures—They’re Growth in Disguise
The word “pivot” gets thrown around a lot these days, but it’s not a buzzword—it’s a lifeline for people who feel stuck.
Changing direction doesn’t mean you failed at your old path. It means you’ve evolved.
➡️ That sales job taught you how to communicate.
➡️ That hospitality role gave you resilience.
➡️ That engineering background sharpened your problem-solving.
Every single skill you’ve developed is a tool you can carry forward. The magic happens when you stop trying to “fit in” and start building a career that fits you.
And yes—it will feel uncomfortable. Growth always does.
The Secret Weapon for HR
The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
Career Tip: Tell a Stronger Story on Your Resume
Your resume is often your first impression—so make it tell a compelling story.
If you’re switching industries or roles, don’t just list your past jobs. Tell the story of how your experience connects to the role you’re applying for.
Here’s how to do it:
Start with a strong summary that highlights your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the new industry.
Quantify your achievements. Numbers pop: “Increased revenue by 25%,” “Managed a team of 10,” “Reduced onboarding time by 40%.”
Use the language of the role you’re targeting. Read job descriptions and mirror some of the key phrases.
Want me to take a look? Reply to this email or drop me a DM—I offer resume reviews as part of my career coaching services.
News & Trends in Cybersecurity
AI in Cybersecurity: The Skills Shift is Here
Artificial Intelligence is continuing to reshape how we think about cyber defence—and it’s also changing what employers are looking for.
🔍 Key Trend: Companies aren’t just looking for technical knowledge anymore. They want professionals who can adapt, think critically, and work alongside AI tools to identify and respond to threats faster.
According to recent industry reports, skills like threat detection automation, AI-assisted incident response, and security orchestration are becoming must-haves in more advanced roles.
Entry-Level Opportunities on the Rise
In positive news, global demand for junior cybersecurity talent continues to grow—especially in sectors like:
Healthcare
Financial services
Government and defence
Roles such as SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Security Administrator are among the top in-demand roles. Australia, in particular, is seeing a skills shortage in cyber, with organisations actively seeking candidates who are trainable and eager to grow.
💬 Recruiter’s Note:
Don’t wait until you’re 100% ready. If you’ve completed a certification or have experience in IT support, start applying for junior roles. Many companies are happy to train the right attitude.
🛡️ Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) Is Around the Corner
Start preparing now if you’re a job seeker, or professional in the space. It’s a great time to:
Post your learnings
Share career goals
Engage in cybersecurity discussions online
It’s also when many companies ramp up hiring or launch new security initiatives—so visibility matters.
The Real Risk? Staying Somewhere You’ve Outgrown
Here’s a tough pill to swallow:
The real risk isn’t switching careers. It’s staying in a job or industry that no longer challenges, excites, or fulfils you.
The longer you stay stuck out of fear, the harder it feels to make a move. But it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can start slowly:
And if you need someone to help you make sense of what your next step could look like—I’ve got your back.
Take a course to build confidence in a new skill set
Network with people already in the field you’re curious about
Update your LinkedIn and resume to reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been
And if you need someone to help you make sense of what your next step could look like—I’ve got your back.
Community Question:
What’s one career risk you took that paid off?
Whether it was changing industries, saying yes to a role you weren’t sure about, or even asking for a raise—I’d love to hear your story. I may even share a few (with permission) in a future edition to help others feel more confident making bold moves too.
Reply to this email or send me a message on LinkedIn, or X.
You’re Not Starting From Scratch—You’re Starting From Experience
When I moved from professional golf into the world of recruitment, I had moments where I felt like an imposter. I thought, “What does my background in sport have to do with the corporate world?”
But I quickly realised I wasn’t starting from zero—I was bringing so much with me:
Discipline from years of training and competing
Resilience from handling pressure and setbacks
People skills from constantly interacting with coaches, players, and sponsors
A strong work ethic from grinding every day toward goals
All of that transferred beautifully into recruitment—and it can for you, too.
Let’s Chat: The Power of a 15-Minute Exploratory Call
Sometimes, the hardest part is figuring out where to begin.
That’s why I offer a free 15-minute call—not a hard sell, just a safe space to see how I can help.
✅ Maybe you’re burned out and unsure what’s next.
✅ Maybe you’re applying to jobs and hearing crickets.
✅ Maybe you’ve been in your role for years but feel like you’ve hit a wall.
It’s free. It’s confidential. It might just be the thing that moves you forward.
Final Thought
Here’s what I’ll leave you with this week:
If nothing changes… nothing changes.
You owe it to yourself to explore the version of you that’s waiting on the other side of a brave decision. You don’t need a full roadmap—just a starting point. And if you need help finding it, I’m just a message away.
Best wishes,
Luke Gough
Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass
P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let’s work together to empower more careers!
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