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Healing While Hiring: The Mental Health Movement Behind Happier Hired

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USANews June 11, 2025
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Healing While Hiring: The Mental Health Movement Behind Happier Hired
Nationwide (USANews) In an era where job losses and career disruptions are becoming increasingly common, one company is standing out by approaching career coaching from a more human-centered perspective. Happier Hired, founded by Zephaniah Mukendi, offers a fresh and compassionate approach to career coaching that addresses both the practicalities of career transitions and the emotional toll that often comes with them. By combining therapeutic expertise with career coaching strategies, Happier Hired helps individuals navigate the often-overlooked emotional landscape of job loss, burnout, and career pivots. Zephaniah Mukendi, a licensed therapist and career coach, launched Happier Hired with a clear vision: to support people through the emotional challenges of job loss and career uncertainty, while also helping them regain their confidence and find fulfilling work. Mukendi's unique approach combines emotional intelligence with career strategy, addressing the deep psychological impacts that many professionals face when navigating career setbacks. “Job loss is not just a financial disruption—it’s an emotional one,” says Mukendi. “People often experience grief, shame, and isolation. Yet, there’s little structured support to help them process these feelings. Happier Hired fills that gap by addressing the emotional cost of career setbacks, not just the practical steps of getting hired.” The company’s standout offering is the Clarity + Confidence framework, a carefully structured 8-week coaching program designed to support individuals at every stage of their career comeback. This program blends practical career tools—such as résumé development, interview preparation, and job search strategies—with mindset work aimed at helping clients process grief, regain self-belief, and restore their sense of agency. Whether clients are returning from a career break, dealing with a toxic work environment, or simply feeling stuck in their professional journey, Happier Hired’s approach is designed to help them reclaim their career and their well-being. Happier Hired’s focus on mental health and emotional well-being during career transitions sets it apart from traditional career coaching services, which often dive straight into résumés and job search tactics. By acknowledging the emotional and psychological challenges that come with career disruptions, the brand offers a holistic approach that treats clients as whole individuals, rather than just job seekers. This approach resonates particularly well in today’s economic climate, where layoffs, restructures, and career pivots are increasingly common. Many workers find themselves overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the job market and struggling with feelings of inadequacy or fear. Mukendi believes that these challenges demand a response that goes beyond career tips and job listings—hence the rise of Happier Hired as a movement for real support. “Happier Hired is not about high-pressure coaching or cookie-cutter advice. It’s about honest conversations, real healing, and personalized career strategies,” says Mukendi. “People don’t just need career advice—they need someone who understands what they’re going through and is willing to walk with them through the emotional journey of finding their next opportunity.” In addition to one-on-one coaching, Happier Hired is exploring the potential for partnerships with organizations that want to integrate emotional support into their outplacement services. While layoffs are often unavoidable in today’s fast-paced business world, Mukendi believes that companies can and should offer more than just a severance package. Providing emotional and career coaching during job transitions helps laid-off employees process their feelings, regain their confidence, and prepare for the next step in a healthier, more resilient way. This not only benefits the employees but also helps organizations protect their brand and maintain employee morale during difficult times. “Employers have a unique opportunity to show care and responsibility by supporting their employees through difficult transitions. This is more than just a ‘nice gesture’—it can make a difference in long-term employee loyalty, employer brand, and even future recruitment,” says Mukendi. Through its unique approach to career coaching, Happier Hired is bringing attention to a crucial issue in today’s workforce—the need for emotional support and healing during times of career disruption. It’s not just about getting a new job—it’s about restoring confidence, finding peace, and rebuilding a career that aligns with one’s personal values and aspirations. For more information, visit Happier Hired and follow the brand on Instagram at zephyhire and LinkedIn at happierhired.
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