Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Here’s how to answer, “Why did you leave your last job?” when the real story is a little... complicated.

The goal is to answer it in a way that positions your move as a pull, not a push.

You were being PULLED towards something positive, instead of PUSHED from something negative.

For example, you an say something like:

🍊“I was fortunate to be in a position financially to take time off from work. Around the same time, my [spouse/partner] was laid off, so we used it as an opportunity to travel. Now I’m back, recharged, and excited for my next challenge.”

You’re not running from something.

You’re moving towards something.

And that makes all the difference.

Whether you spent that time traveling, caregiving, or just reconnecting with your family, it was your choice.

When you focus on the negatives, companies see you as having a victim mindset.

(And if you’re thinking “but it was a bad situation,” I see you. That’s still valid. But how you frame it matters.)

I teach strategies like this in the Unshakable Interviews Masterclass.

Watch it here: selfmadeway.com/unshakable

Remember, you get to lead the narrative in your next job interview.