Committed to Your Success Coaching & Consulting

Most people I work with are looking to make a career transition, whether that is from changing jobs or careers, or from entering or leaving the workforce.   While it can be exciting to embark on this new venture, it can also create stress that was unplanned or not anticipated.  Stress can result for a variety of reasons of which it is important to identify and understand in order to effectively cope.  A career transtion is a time to change, which means making an adjustment.  This can mean adjusting to a new environment, new people, new culture, new systems or processes, new job duties and responsiblities; it could mean adjusting to new work hours, a new commute or a new pay rate.  Some of these adjustments may be positive but some can be negative; either way, there will be some stress related to the change.  Stress, according to Greenburg, “is an interaction between a person and the environment that is perceived to be so trying or burdensome that is exceeds one’s coping resources.” 

So how do you survive a “non-stressful” career transition?  The first step is to be aware of your feelings and behaviors during this time.  If you find yourself feeling worried, scared, unsure, more irritable, tense or fearful, acknowledge the feeling; don’t hide or push it away as it will come back to find you eventually.  Be aware of your physical symptoms, such as a nervous stomach, inability to sleep or eat, sighing or pacing.  Tune in to your behaviors - are you snapping at other, or avoiding or procrastinating.  These can all be signs of stress. 

It is important during a transitonal period to get enough sleep, to eat properly, and to exercise, all of which can alleviate feelings of stress.  Familiarize yourself with the new job - research the job duties and the company where you will be employed.  If you are still lookng for a job, work on your resume and interviewing skills, send out letters daily or make phone calls; take action every day.   Seek out support - talking to a family member or friend can help you feel understood and see the situation in a clearer perpective, which can help you realize the source of your stress.  When you are aware, you can do something about it and resolve it - whatever “it” is.  If you are stuck, or if you are having more difficulty than you can handle, it is wise to seek the services of a career coach or, if your symptoms are severe, a therapist, both of who can help you move past the stress and toward the successful career you are seeking.  A career transition can be a positive experience provided you keep aware of the feelings and emotions it can elicit, while keeping  a positve outlook on the process and your eye on the goal and the end result.