How to Stick With a Change

Job change can be hard – and at times in our line of work we see people struggling to adapt to new environments, especially if they spent a long time at a particular place of work, or if they are leaving their first workplace.

But change is a natural part of life and often good!?A change of workplace can often lead us to faster career progression or faster skill development, as we take on new challenges and new ways of doing things.?Having the courage to make a change for the benefit of your career or even your work-life balance shows tremendous strength of character.

However, we have no doubt all had times where we question career choices we have made – even if it is only for a few moments during a particularly difficult situation.

The question is – how do we make it easier to stick with that change??Here are a few tips.

ANTICIPATE CHALLENGES

Forewarned is fore-armed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the very real and very valid excitement of something new – but it is good to temper our expectations by also being ready to face a few challenges along the way – whether it be in having to learn, or restart socially or something even more unexpected.

Understand it takes time to adjust to every new situation – and that the need to adjust is not a negative.?It’s normal.

FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Our relationships in the workplace are crucial to workplace wellbeing – and once these start to develop, often our new workplace starts to feel much more inviting.

Take some time and make some effort in your first week to try to connect with others around you – and especially with your colleagues who may be well-intentioned, but too busy to welcome you as you might like.?

Take time too to stop in on the people you directly report too and forge bonds there.

ENGAGE YOUR CURIOSITY AND A GROWTH MINDSET

Every change in workplace means new ways of doing things, new clients, new people to manage or work around.?Embracing a mindset of curiosity around this helps it all feel a bit less overwhelming.?Every new skill you learn is a tool in your arsenal that makes you better at what you do.?

BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS

When you do encounter challenge and discomfort, try to pin-point exactly what it is.?This not only stops your feelings running away from you and keeps them in perspective, it also helps you to determine exactly what to address.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES

Like a gratitude practice, make sure you take note of every positive in your new situation.?Maybe it’s a shorter commute to work.?Maybe it’s an escape from a colleague or manager who made life difficult.?Noting every positive makes the negatives less pronounced, and helps you see the situation in a more balanced light.

REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR REASONS FOR CHANGING

The status quo and the position we are already in is always easier than the idea of something new.?So if you have made the leap, you must have had an excellent reason. Perhaps you took a promotion at a new company, or wanted to broaden your experience with something new.?Perhaps you wanted a different kind of culture, or less travel or more money. You may have changed to avoid something, like a difficult manager.

Reminding yourself that there were good reasons to make this change, and reasons you thought out carefully, will reinforce the benefits.

It is totally normal to take time to adjust in a new position – and even to experience some discomfort at times while that adjustment is taking place.?But it is important to give the new opportunity time to reveal itself and for you to fully appreciate it.?You obviously made the decision to make the change carefully – so trust your instincts and allow the results to show themselves over time.