Micro Moves: Career Change to Remote Work Without the Overwhelm
I stayed in a job for five years—even though I originally planned to leave after three.
I knew I was overworked.
I knew I was underpaid.
And I knew I was burned out.
What made it even more frustrating?
I already had the skills to make a career pivot. I had even done it before! I knew what I wanted my next move to be—a transition into remote work, doing more of what I loved.
But I stayed.
Why?
Because the unknown felt overwhelming.
And in the moment, staying stuck felt safer than stepping into something uncertain.
Looking back, I don’t regret the lessons. But if I could do it over again, I wouldn’t wait until burnout forced my hand.
I would take small, strategic micro moves—gentle steps to shift out of survival mode and into purpose.
Here’s what I wish I had done earlier.
What Are Micro Moves?
Micro moves are simple, low-pressure actions that build clarity and momentum.
They're for when:
You feel stuck but don’t know where to begin
You want to pivot careers or go remote, but everything feels “too big”
You’re afraid of failing, but even more afraid of staying the same
If I could talk to my past self, these are the steps I’d suggest.
1. Rework Your LinkedIn Headline to Reflect Where You're Going
One of the first micro moves I’d make? Updating my LinkedIn headline.
Back then, my title reflected where I was—but not where I was headed. If I had reframed it to show my desired direction (think “Remote Operations Manager” or “Marketing Strategist for Mission-Driven Brands”), I could’ve started attracting the kinds of opportunities I wanted… long before I was ready to apply.
Pro Tip: Use your headline to signal to others (and yourself) your skills and your vision—not just your current role.
2. Schedule 30-Minute Curiosity Sessions Each Week
In those burnout-heavy days, I felt like I had no time or energy to think about “what’s next.” But the truth is, just 30 minutes a week would’ve made a difference.
If I had carved out even a small window to:
Watch a webinar about remote job paths
Learn a new tool like Notion or Monday
Browse job descriptions that sparked something in me
...I would’ve reignited my sense of possibility—and reminded myself I had options.
If you're stuck, start with this: 30 minutes of quiet research, curiosity, and dreaming. Set a timer. That’s it.
3. Reach Out to Someone Who Was Already Where I Wanted to Be
One thing I know now? Most people want to help.
But I never asked.
I kept my fears and questions to myself instead of reaching out to someone who had already made the leap into remote work.
If I could go back, I’d message just one person. I wouldn’t ask for a job—I’d ask for their story. I’d ask:
What gave you the courage to go remote?
What helped you find your footing in a new space?
What habits helped you when you were just getting started?
That one conversation could’ve sparked the shift I needed sooner.
Why Micro Moves Work (Especially If You're Burnt Out)
When you’re in a job that drains you, big change can feel impossible. That’s why micro moves are so powerful: they don’t demand everything from you.
They meet you where you are—and gently lead you forward.
They let you take action without blowing up your life or pretending you have all the answers.
And over time?
They build momentum, confidence, and clarity you didn’t know you still had.
If I Had to Do It Over Again…
I wouldn’t wait for burnout.
I wouldn’t try to map the whole journey.
And I wouldn’t underestimate the power of small steps.
I would start making micro moves—even while still in that role.
And that’s exactly what I encourage you to do now.
Ready to Make Your Own Micro Move? Start Here:
✅ Rewrite your LinkedIn headline
✅ Block 30 minutes this week to explore something new
✅ Reach out to one person for a low-pressure conversation
You don’t have to leap. You just have to move.
And if you need someone cheering for you—I’m right here.
✨ Want Help Taking Your Next Step?
Reach out to me at here and I’ll be happy to chat.
With Love,
Ashley