Career Transitions
Many find themselves at a similar crossroad after leaving college and working out in the "real world" for a while.
You may have accomplished what you originally set out to accomplish and your work doesn't offer the same challenges that it did previously, as in Tom's story.
Or, you may find yourself going to work but feeling emotionally unplugged from the job. Perhaps you enjoyed working, but found yourself suddenly "downsized" because the market has less need for the skills you were trained in. Some need to leave their work because of sudden, unanticipated circumstances, as in Jean's story.
These kinds of internal and external changes often summon people to renew themselves.
William Bridges explains the transition and renewal process in three stages:
It is not uncommon to find oneself stuck in one of the stages, particularly Endings and the Neutral Zone. Take heart; there are strategies outlined that can help one navigate this journey.
Endings
Renewal is a natural process that starts with letting go.
For some, that means letting go of their external reality, by leaving a job or career. The ending can be voluntary or involuntary.
For others, it involves letting go of the hopes, fears, dreams and assumptions that they attached to their work. It means letting go of a model of seeing oneself and the world, not just the old arrangements.
Without letting go first, one cannot embark on a new beginning. Therefore an important question to ask oneself is; "Exactly what do I need to let go of?"
Specificity is important for a clear, clean closure. Another important question to ask is; "What is over now and what isn't?" Understanding what isn't over is just as important to understanding what is.
Giving oneself time and space to grieve losses associated with endings is an essential task of the transition process. It is important to recognize that the loss of a job can trigger other important losses including:
- loss of belonging
- loss of identity
- loss of self-esteem
- loss of income
- loss of a social network.
Neutral Zone
The only way to discover true renewal, is by experiencing the emptiness that is left when we let go of something. Without this empty space or neutral zone, we invariably recreate a similar version of what we left behind.
This second phase of transition is where the deep renewal work is done. Many experience great anxiety and confusion during the neutral zone because this is the time when the old has fallen away, but the new has not yet manifested.
Our sense of meaning, purpose and identity is not yet clear. Some are tempted to prematurely foreclose on their options and escape their uncomfortable feelings by making career decisions to quickly. However, there is great value in not knowing what's next.
This is a time to convert confusion into creativity by giving ourselves permission to redefine our values and mission.
Some Tips for Navigating the Neutral Zone
- Do some personal writing - check out the Values Exercise
- Re-evaluate skills, interests, values and personal style
- Seek the support of a professional career counselor
- Connect with others
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Try some volunteer work
- Take a personal retreat
Beginnings
True beginnings always start from the inside.
When we are ready to make a beginning, we will shortly find an opportunity.
The first hint may come in the form of an idea, an image or even a dream. It can involve a chance meeting with someone or an unplanned event.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
This third stage of transition can be an ideal opportunity to reflect on what areas you might want to explore next. Spend some time answering the questions below to help shape your work direction.
Questions for a New Beginning
- What am I completing in my life?
- What am I ready to let go of?
- How can I be of service using my unique talents?
- What am I doing when I feel most myself?
- What would I do if money were no longer an issue in my life?
- What matters most in my life now?
- What changes would I have to make to get what I want?
- What kind of person do I want to become?
- What are my strengths?
- What are the obstacles that get in the way of having what I want? How can I address effectively address them?
Conclusion
True renewal, unlike simple change, is a natural process that transforms us. It starts with acknowledging and letting go of outmoded ways of being. It then means living in the empty space of not knowing - making way for something new that is emerging within us.
The neutral zone phase of the renewal process takes courage and patience to sit with the paradoxes of our lives. Until we have given time for inner exploration, we often don't recognize a new opportunity that might be right for us. When we embark on this journey, it gives us energy and a new sense of purpose.
