Leaving the UN Was Never My Plan—Until It Was

When I first started contemplating leaving the UN, I was full of doubt. It was all I ever wanted to do, and I had poured my energy, passion, and identity into that path for many years. So the idea of stepping away felt almost unthinkable. I didn’t know what steps to take, or how to even begin exploring alternative paths. That’s when I turned to coaching—initially with some skepticism. But once I understood that it wasn’t about getting advice—it was about finding my own answers—it became incredibly powerful. By articulating what truly mattered to me, I realized that staying with the UN would have meant turning away from a world of possibilities and from following my dreams.

The current crisis in the humanitarian and development sector has led to difficult decisions and deep uncertainty. I’ve spoken with many colleagues who are trying to make sense of what’s ahead. Some are competing for the few roles that remain. Others are quietly waiting, hoping their positions will survive the next round of cuts. It’s an incredibly tough place to be.

But I also believe this could be the right moment to start thinking about a Plan B—not just as a fallback, but as a doorway to something more fulfilling. Within all this disruption, there may be space to finally pursue the dreams that have long been on hold, or explore a version of life that once felt out of reach.

If you’re in that space—wondering what’s next—I’d love to support you. As a coach, I work with people to find clarity, articulate what matters most, and chart a path forward that feels right for them.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to talk.