Secrets of a gumshoe librarian: Staying relevant in a career of constant change

January 5, 2026/ Marcy Phelps / Investigative business / 4 comments

Careers rarely move in straight lines. If there’s one thing my professional life has taught me, it’s that change is not an interruption. It’s the norm.

I didn’t set out to become a private investigator. I started my career as a librarian, then became a business owner specializing in business and market research. After 15 years, I pivoted and became a licensed PI and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Along the way, I learned that reinvention isn’t about abandoning who you are. It’s about building on what you already know and staying relevant as the world (and your clients) change around you.

Whether you’re choosing a new direction or being pushed into one, career transitions can feel unsettling. But they don’t have to derail you. Here are five lessons that helped me navigate multiple career shifts and stay grounded through them all.

1. Immerse yourself in learning

Every transition begins with curiosity. I’ve learned when to adopt a beginner’s mindset, even after years of experience. That means setting aside dedicated time to learn through conferences, webinars, books, and research.

Credentials can matter, but what matters more is staying engaged. Identify the experts in your field (or the one you want to move into) and pay attention to what they’re doing. Learning isn’t something you outgrow, and it’s never too late to start.

2. Tap into a support system

No one builds a sustainable career alone. Professional associations have been invaluable to me for continuing education, networking, collaboration, and accountability. Mastermind groups, mentors, coaches, and even informal peer connections can make a huge difference.

During transitions, it’s easy to isolate yourself. But that’s usually when you most need perspective from others who understand your challenges and can help you think more clearly about your next steps.

3. Be strategic

Reinvention works best when it’s intentional. Ask yourself: Where do I want to go? What skills or experience does that path require? What’s missing right now, and how can I fill that gap?

Strategy doesn’t require a perfect five-year plan, but it does require regular check-ins. Review what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs adjusting. Being strategic means making informed decisions, not reacting out of fear or frustration.

4. Prepare for the unexpected

Long-term plans are helpful, but shorter planning cycles can be even more effective. I’m a fan of setting 12-week or even monthly goals because they’re manageable and adaptable. They give you room to evaluate progress frequently and make course corrections before small issues become big problems.

Make sure to celebrate small wins, too. Career change can feel overwhelming if you only focus on the end goal. Progress is easier to sustain when you acknowledge it along the way.

5. Have faith

This may be the hardest part. Career transitions test your patience and confidence. You may need to change direction. You may need to pause. You may realize that a path you explored isn’t the right one after all.

That doesn’t mean time was wasted, and every step adds to your experience and perspective. Fear doesn’t disappear, but it can be managed. Sometimes the best plan is simply setting a deadline, taking action, and trusting that clarity will follow.

Staying relevant isn’t about chasing trends or reinventing yourself every few years. It’s about learning continuously, building strong relationships, recognizing opportunities, thinking strategically, and trusting your ability to adapt. That’s the secret to becoming a gumshoe librarian, and it’s served me well.

Tags #gumshoelibrariancareer info