I’m grateful to share a milestone that’s been years in the making: I completed my Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and have moved on to studying for my doctorate. For me, this isn’t just a credential—it’s proof that steady faith, focused work, and honest self-reflection can carry you through heavy seasons and into purpose.
What this degree means to me
Earning a graduate degree sharpened how I lead—clearer decisions, stronger ethics, better systems, and a deeper commitment to serve. It also opens doors. National data is plain: people with graduate degrees tend to have lower unemployment and higher earnings than those with less education. That matters in a shaky job market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
My five-year career plan (the short version)
I’m building with intention. Here’s where I’m headed in the next five years:
AI workflow consulting for small businesses and nonprofits—helping teams work smarter with practical tools and clean processes.
Leadership development & community education—virtual workshops, short courses, and coaching that turn knowledge into action.
Sustainability & stakeholder engagement projects—clear plans, human-centered change, and measurable outcomes.
Digital products—toolkits, templates, and guides that remove guesswork for busy people.
Writing & media—books, podcasts, and YouTube content that encourage, equip, and challenge.
A word to those recently laid off—especially my Black brothers and sisters
Right now, Black unemployment is rising. In August 2025, the jobless rate for Black Americans reached 7.5%, and long-term unemployment (27+ weeks) now makes up more than a quarter of all unemployment. That’s not a headline to fear—it’s a signal to pivot, skill up, and mobilize resources with strategy.
Some federal and sector cuts have also hit workers of color disproportionately. If that’s your story, you are not alone—and you are not stuck. pshra.org
How to leverage a layoff (so it works for you):
Turn pain into positioning. Update your narrative: “Here’s the value I created, and here’s how I’ll create it again.”
Close skill gaps quickly. Short courses or certificates + strong project samples beat vague buzzwords. (Graduate study still pays off long-term—consider it if it aligns with your goals.)
Target resilient roles. Health care, social assistance, and operations/process roles keep hiring even in cool-downs. Watch the monthly BLS releases to aim where the openings grow.
Network with purpose. Ask for specific introductions and offer specific value. “Who do you know at X who needs Y? I can deliver Z this quarter.”
Build a side stream. Freelance what you already do well. Use it as a portfolio, a bridge, or your next business.
Track momentum weekly. Goals → outreach → interviews → follow-up. Treat your search like a project you manage.
Why I keep encouraging education
When the economy cools, the people with sharpened skills, relevant projects, and proof of outcomes get picked first. The data backs it up, and I’ve lived it.
If you’re on the fence about finishing your degree
Let this be your push. Map a simple plan: one term at a time, one class at a time, with the finish line in sight. If you need encouragement or a practical roadmap, I’ll share what worked for me and the shortcuts I wish I’d known sooner.
Ending on a high note
I’m celebrating, but I’m not coasting. This chapter is fuel. My aim is to help more people work with clarity, lead with courage, and build with integrity—no fluff, just results you can see.
Call to action
Books: If you haven’t yet, read my nonfiction titles (including Laboring to Love Myself, Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate, Know Your Enemy, The Christian’s Critic, When Mothers Cry, and Floral Beauty on a Dead-End Street).
YouTube: Listen in and subscribe to my channels—NM Enterprise 7 (life lessons & leadership) and Resource Rundown (practical tools and scams to avoid).
Subscribe: Join my list so you never miss new workshops, toolkits, or speaking dates.
If this post encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that their next step is still worth taking.
