<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Nurture Ambition]]></title><description><![CDATA[Empowering women to thrive in work and life, with renewed energy and purpose, through holistic support.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 01:49:28 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Career Counselling vs Personal Counselling: Understanding the Difference]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the difference between career counselling and personal counselling, where they overlap, and how career support can help you navigate change while protecting your wellbeing.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/career-counselling-vs-personal-counselling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ac86b68d3466ffa9b9499c5</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:36:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_80b2c0cb3c304cfb9d833a7c9ec65af5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Burnout to Self-Belief: Meera’s Career Wellbeing Journey]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Christmas card turned into a letter and a quiet reminder that burnout recovery and career clarity don’t come from pushing harder, but from feeling truly heard. This success story shares how one woman gently rebuilt confidence, self-belief, and wellbeing.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/from-burnout-to-self-belief-meeras-journey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6972ede593f6d3facb61a070</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Journeys]]></category><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:11:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_acc62389090f416fbea0e29d5bab6181~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Can't Separate Your Career From Your Wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Indivisible Self: An Evidence-Based Model of Wellness]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/you-can-t-separate-your-career-from-your-wellbeing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a9f60abf461d5f63d5b16e0</guid><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tools and Resources]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 01:25:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9579da_919cc74bdfb043548c591559b7f3da21~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Career Coaching vs Career Counselling: What’s the Difference?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Career coaching and career counselling can both help you navigate career change, uncertainty and professional growth but they aren't quite the same. Discover the difference, when each approach may be useful, and why sometimes a combination of both is the right fit.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/career-coaching-vs-career-counselling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a95e5fe5f0b5f7b5a457a97</guid><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:26:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_78cf55b96bd849e9ae58f8649cab4f84~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why SMART Goals Aren't Enough: A Gentle Guide to Achieving Your Dreams]]></title><description><![CDATA[SMART goals are a great start, but sustainable success requires more. Learn how to overcome obstacles, build support, and create career goals that work in real life.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/what-smart-goals-arent-enough</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6adb05cd8d822ee17bd5b5</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:38:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8c6241edc8f64edbba3153afa8561277~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rethinking Your Career Path: Why a Five-Year Plan May Not Be the Answer]]></title><description><![CDATA[We've all been asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" But in a world shaped by AI, automation and constant change, is it still the right question? In this blog post, I explore why focusing on how you want to feel rather than predicting your future job title can help you build a more meaningful, sustainable and fulfilling career.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/where-do-you-see-yourself-in-five-years-maybe-you-re-asking-the-wrong-question</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5f10803357dd2c7434ebbd</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Motherhood & Identity]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:39:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_ad2d435d175246dcb7d4230bc73d52aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shiny Object Syndrome and the Career Trap of Saying Yes to Everything]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the hardest career skills you'll ever learn isn't networking, interviewing or building confidence, it's saying no. Every exciting opportunity comes with a hidden trade-off: your time, energy and attention. In this article, I share a personal lesson about delayed gratification, shiny object syndrome, and why protecting your priorities is essential if you want to build a career that's not only successful, but sustainable.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/shiny-object-syndrome-career-goals</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4ddd4d24d6803bed6bfb42</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:22:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_984772682e3f43f4b73bb64f7be6e2aa~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Career Coaching for Teachers: How to Build a Career You Love Without Sacrificing Your Wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover career coaching for teachers. Gain career clarity, overcome burnout, explore new opportunities and build a sustainable, fulfilling career.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/career-coaching-for-teachers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a458b609c4d1b405b25290a</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:05:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_af87bbe91778445b82c551db5c144d73~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Women Over 50 Face Unique Challenges in the Job Market]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australians over 55 take twice as long to find work as younger job seekers. Discover the barriers mature-age women face and practical strategies to navigate career transitions with confidence.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/why-women-over-50-face-unique-challenges-in-the-job-market-and-what-you-can-do-about-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a29f5dbf8e7e84c72c0c434</guid><category><![CDATA[Motherhood & Identity]]></category><category><![CDATA[Leadership & Culture]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:00:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6c72447c65c54728a0e3e956087a15b2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introducing the Nurture Ambition Referral Program: Share the Gift of Career Wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the Nurture Ambition Referral Program. Refer someone for career coaching and choose a complimentary coaching session, coaching credit, or gift a session to someone else.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/referral-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a27544a67d5088054ae7883</guid><category><![CDATA[Tools and Resources]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:00:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_75218f1f73e24d35b2a07d9dd2879dc1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why You Need a "Why I'm Awesome" Folder at Work]]></title><description><![CDATA[Feeling unseen at work? Discover a simple career wellbeing habit that boosts confidence, motivation and purpose when recognition is hard to find.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/why-you-need-a-why-i-m-awesome-folder-at-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28ffd499361b5d20d650f3</guid><category><![CDATA[Tools and Resources]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:25:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9579da_a95eb2f871194089a4faa6422e9e163a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Sustainable Career Path During a Season of Change - A Client Journey with Caitlin]]></title><description><![CDATA[What happens when an experienced teacher reaches a career crossroads? This client journey follows Caitlin's path towards greater career clarity, confidence, and sustainable career planning, demonstrating how career coaching can support meaningful change without sacrificing wellbeing.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/creating-a-sustainable-career-path-during-a-season-of-change-a-client-journey-with-caitlin</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a25d946750b8b39abbbda1b</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Journeys]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:03:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b5160df4c04846a0b8ff0242246f49fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beyond Resilience: What Working With Injured Workers Has Taught Me About Workplace Wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Working in occupational rehabilitation has shown me that psychological injuries rarely happen overnight. Many women I’ve supported were navigating the effects of burnout, chronic stress, workplace bullying, and toxic work cultures long before they stepped away from work. Workplace wellbeing isn’t just about helping employees become more resilient, it’s also about creating healthier, psychologically safe workplaces where people can sustainably thrive.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/beyond-resilience-what-working-with-injured-workers-has-taught-me-about-workplace-wellbeing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0e84afb2731dece751db29</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership & Culture]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 02:00:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d98e091c9eba48be9c3fe9e3ee1b0ccf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[“No One Even Checked On Me”: The Emotional Reality Many Injured Workers Face]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of my injured worker clients recently said to me, “It’s actually really isolating because you deal with these people on a daily basis and then all of a sudden it’s just … gone.” That sentence stayed with me. So many injured workers describe the same experience after lodging a claim, silence, distance, and no one checking if they’re okay. Workplaces often underestimate the emotional impact of feeling forgotten during one of the most vulnerable periods of someone’s life.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/no-one-even-checked-on-me-the-emotional-reality-many-injured-workers-face</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a14f3b8f0ab12d2fe243766</guid><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Client Journeys]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Leadership & Culture]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 01:37:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6f3081d558674cf7bb904d75d1e5e61b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Don’t Offer Resume Writing as a Standalone Service]]></title><description><![CDATA[People often ask if I write resumes and while I can, it’s not the heart of what I do. At Nurture Ambition, I focus on helping people build the confidence, clarity, and career management skills to navigate their careers long-term. A resume is not a one-time document, it evolves throughout your working life. Rather than simply writing resumes for people, I believe in empowering them with the skills, insight, and support to confidently manage their careers sustainably.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/why-i-don-t-offer-resume-writing-as-a-standalone-service</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0e2a07ce2b5b4a4d6de47a</guid><category><![CDATA[Behind the Scenes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 22:08:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_22376d8233e9498db36f9e3d7a0c7dc8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[National Careers Week 2026: Recognising the Impact of Career Development | CDAA Community Recognition]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of National Careers Week 2026 and the CDAA Community Recognitions, this reflection highlights the importance of career practitioners across schools, higher education, vocational education, occupational rehabilitation services and the private sector, and the meaningful impact they make across the lifespan.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/national-careers-week-2026-recognising-the-impact-of-career-development-cdaa-community-recognitio</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0ac2e98ba6aec9a80f6e52</guid><category><![CDATA[Behind the Scenes]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 07:50:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9579da_9af48bd220584b8ba15ca248985d8594~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feeling Stuck in Your Career? This Might Be Why]]></title><description><![CDATA[Before you try to figure out your next career move, it’s worth understanding this: your capacity for clarity, energy, and decision-making is shaped by your nervous system.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/feeling-stuck-in-your-career-this-might-be-why</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e0cf56c0d279b375a967ff</guid><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:17:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_fc98493ad2cb4e3fa443482c93ef504b~mv2_d_6720_4480_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AI Can Write Your Resume… But It Can’t Get You the Job]]></title><description><![CDATA[AI can write your resume but it can’t get you the job. In today’s world of endless information, success isn’t about access, but how you use it. Many job applications now feel overly polished and generic, missing the human voice that truly connects. While AI can support and refine your content, it should never replace your critical thinking. Because at the end of the day, hiring decisions are made by humans, not algorithms.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/ai-can-write-your-resume-but-it-can-t-get-you-the-job</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cb4185e7de3cb00608fc0a</guid><category><![CDATA[Tools and Resources]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:49:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_3d292f224fcf4ce29bf3906e58a7c200~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Returning to Work After Burnout Isn’t Just About Readiness, It’s About Safety]]></title><description><![CDATA[Returning to work after burnout isn’t just about readiness, it’s about feeling safe. Therapy helps process the experience, but coaching bridges recovery and work, supporting capacity, boundaries, and sustainable performance. I’ve seen this with teachers like Rebecca, who rediscovered confidence and purpose by approaching work differently. Organisations can benefit from coaching that supports people and their teams.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/returning-to-work-after-burnout-isn-t-just-about-readiness-it-s-about-safety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bc88ce06e9acd4d41d0420</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Journeys]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Burnout Recovery]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Wellbeing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:40:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_e7d3613527014570910166de761f1ead~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Chose Remote Work Before It Was Cool - Here’s Why and What I’ve Learned Since 2016]]></title><description><![CDATA[I didn’t choose remote work because it was cool, I stumbled into it during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. What began as a necessity during pregnancy became a long-term career design choice rooted in values, wellbeing, and family. In this post, I share what I’ve learned after working remotely since 2016, the benefits, the sacrifices, and why working from home only supports wellbeing when it’s intentionally designed.]]></description><link>https://www.merlyhartnett.com.au/post/i-chose-remote-work-before-it-was-cool-here-s-why-and-what-i-ve-learned-since-2016</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69696df6b3763a8768678553</guid><category><![CDATA[Behind the Scenes]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:22:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9579da_8099cea44d0444bc9bd3a76f87796bf7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Merly Hartnett</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>