Here's how you can navigate emotions and stress during mid-career changes.

The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, especially during a professional transition. However, it is crucial to face this fear head-on. It is natural to be fearful of the changes in your field, but staying afraid is not an option. What specifically troubles you about this transition? Is it the uncertainty of drawing a new road while walking? Identify these fears and confront them. Learn from those who have successfully navigated similar transitions. Develop a plan to mitigate risk and prepare for different scenarios. Based on my experience as a change management leader, once you have confronted your fears, you will find it easier to embrace change with confidence.

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and accept the emotions you're experiencing, whether it's anxiety, fear, excitement, or uncertainty. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.

Recognize and accept your emotions rather than suppressing them. It's natural to feel anxious, stressed, or uncertain during a career change. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards managing them. Remind yourself that career changes are common and often lead to personal and professional growth. Viewing the change as a journey rather than a setback can help you stay positive and focused.

1. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this transition. Understand that it's normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during a mid-career change. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer to a friend going through a similar situation. 2. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to lean on friends, family members, or mentors for support. Talking to someone who understands what you're going through can provide comfort and perspective. Consider joining networking groups or online communities related to your new career path for additional support. 3. Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or physical activity.

When setting your career goals, don't start with a narrow-minded attitude. Dare to put objectives and goals on your initial list, even if they may not seem realistic at first sight. You will have time to eliminate them later, after a thorough evaluation of feasibility. I found Edward de Bono's book "Six thinking hats" a valuable reference for a constructive but still realistic decision making process.

1. Focus on What You Can Control: While there may be aspects of your career transition that are beyond your control, focus on the things you can influence. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and take proactive steps to move forward. 2. Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Be willing to explore new opportunities and consider alternative paths that may arise during your career transition. Remaining flexible and open-minded can help you adapt to changes more easily and discover unexpected opportunities.

One of the most powerful forms of support is MENTORSHIP. As you go through changes in your mid-career, nothing beats having a CAREER MENTOR to help you foster SELF-CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE & A SENSE OF BELONGING. Your mentor will: 1. inspire & motivate you as your #1 supporter. 2. identify areas for improvement. You will receive helpful criticisms & help you realize your full potential if you cultivate a sense of self-awareness. 3. be your active listener & sounding board so you can talk about your anxieties & fears in confidence. 4. point you in the right direction if you are unsure how & where to navigate your mid-career. 5. help you break down your big goals into smaller steps so it's not too daunting for you.

Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a career coach or counselor who specializes in mid-career transitions. They can provide personalized guidance, support, and resources to help you navigate this challenging period effectively.

Maintaining balance is always important, no matter if you are in a time of change or stability. If you already have your way of staying in the middle of yourself, stick to it, regardless if it is a hobby, a meditation method or something else.

1. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost your confidence and motivate you to keep moving forward. 2. Remember Your Motivation: Reflect on the reasons why you decided to pursue a mid-career change in the first place. Keeping your motivations in mind can help you stay focused and committed to your goals, even when faced with difficulties.

Navigating mid-career changes can be daunting, but it's essential to manage emotions and stress effectively. Acknowledge feelings of uncertainty while focusing on opportunities for growth and learning. Seek support from mentors, peers, and resources within the industry. For example, we encourage employees to engage in mentorship programs and professional development initiatives to navigate career transitions successfully. Remember, resilience and adaptability are key in navigating change with confidence.

A successful mid-career change goes beyond managing emotions. Self-discovery through skills assessments, financial planning for potential salary dips, and exploration through informational interviews and side hustles will complement your emotional resilience, setting you up for a smoother transition and a fulfilling new career path.