The linear career path is fading as workers change fields, managers reinvent themselves, and AI reshapes jobs across industries. In this new reality, the ability to start over is no longer just a personal act of courage, but a practical skill for the modern workplace.
That is the central idea behind Michal Lotzky’s new book, "(הת)חלה לשבת - מדריך להתחלות". Lotzky, an entrepreneur and senior manager in technology, digital, finance, communications and insurance, says the book grew out of a weekly column in which she published more than 120 stories about beginnings. She argues that beginning again is not a one-time event, but a capability that must be developed repeatedly throughout life and a career.
"In a world where machines already know how to write, analyze, create and plan, the most important human ability is the ability to start something new," Lotzky says. "Something that has no ready-made template, that requires human courage and not an algorithm." The book aims to turn the idea of a restart from inspiration into a method.
Lotzky focuses on the fear that comes before the first step, whether that means asking for a raise, changing careers, opening a business, leaving a bad relationship, or finally pursuing a postponed dream. The book includes stories of starts by figures such as Arna Berry, Sara Blakely, Tony Hsieh, Jack Ma and Deni Avdija, along with practical exercises and a model meant to help readers turn decisions into action. A companion workbook, "My Beginnings Notebook," is also being released.
The article places the book in the context of the uncertainty Israelis have faced since October 7 and the war, alongside economic instability, industry changes and the rapid spread of AI. Its bottom line is that in a world where one career is no longer enough, starting over has become a work skill.
