A Triumphant Transition
Life transitions are inevitable. They happen in all areas, our health, relationships, where we live, and often most disruptively, in our professional lives. New careers, job promotions, layoffs, retirement, or even selling a business can feel like earth-moving shifts. Some transitions are carefully planned. Others arrive uninvited. But whether planned or unexpected, how can we shift from simply surviving a transition to navigating it successfully?
Acknowledge the Emotional Impact
First, understand that professional transitions, even those we choose, can stir up feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss of control. Bruce Feiler, in his article “Feeling Stuck? Five Tips for Managing Life Transitions” (The New York Times, July 16, 2020), refers to these moments as “lifequakes.” They shake us at our core and leave us feeling “frightened, overwhelmed, and stuck.”
In 2002, I resigned from my job without a plan other than to “do nothing.” I was struggling with work-related anxiety that I could no longer control. I did not have a plan, and that was scary. Professional transitions can create feelings of disempowerment. If you’ve been laid off or left a career behind, permit yourself to feel what you’re feeling. Then take action to regain control.
Understand the Phases of Transition
Feiler outlines three stages of any transition, professional or otherwise: The Long Goodbye, The Messy Middle, and The New Beginning.
The Long Goodbye is when we come to terms with what we’re leaving behind, an old job, a familiar role, or an identity tied to our profession. If you’ve sold a business or accepted a new leadership position, it’s normal to feel the loss of the old even as you anticipate the new. Don’t rush through this. Reflect on what you’re letting go of and give yourself closure.
If you have left a job or sold a business willingly or otherwise and don’t have an immediate plan, the Messy Middle is the in-between phase that we can get stuck in. You may feel adrift. You're exploring new options, trying out new routines, and figuring out what works. This can be unsettling, especially for those of us who are used to structure and certainty. But this phase is also rich with opportunity. It’s a time to break old habits and create new ones that support your next chapter. Maybe you used to start each workday with a high-stress commute. Now, you might brew your coffee and spend time journaling or job searching. These new routines can be grounding and empowering. When I left my job in 2002, I replaced my work structure with reorganizing the household (think cleaning out and organizing closets).
The New Beginning is when you leap. It’s your first day at the new job, the launch of a new business, or the moment you step into retirement or consulting. This phase is exciting, but not without its anxiety. Ease into it. Take time to connect with new colleagues, understand the expectations of your new role, and recall previous accomplishments to boost your confidence.
Lean Into Change with Grace and Strategy
No matter the transition, remember: you’ve faced change before, and you’ve come through it. Give yourself grace. Establish new routines. Reach out for support. Every professional change is a chance to grow, to align more closely with your values, and to craft a life that reflects who you are today. Are you facing a professional transition or thinking about making a change? I would be happy to talk with you. Schedule a free session via my website.