Navigating Career Change Through the Lens of Levinson’s Seasons of Life

As I reflect on my career journey over the past year, I’ve found inspiration in Daniel Levinson’s Seasons of Life theory, which I'm just finishing for the 3rd time! Levinson’s work emphasizes the natural progression of life stages, each bringing unique challenges, opportunities, and transitions. When I was let go from my job last year, it felt like my world was flipped upside down. But now, as I find myself on a new path, I see that I’ve simply entered a new season.

Levinson describes life as a series of seasons, each marked by growth, reevaluation, and change. At first, my termination felt like a harsh winter (despite it being July): cold, uncertain, and isolating. It was difficult to face the reality of losing a job where I had poured so much of myself. But as with any season, winter is temporary—and it’s necessary to prepare the ground for new growth.

During this time, I focused on reflection. Why did this happen? What lessons could I take away? I began to see that this transition, while painful, was also a chance to reevaluate my goals and values. Was I aligned with the work I was doing? Was I truly thriving? The answers revealed that this wasn’t just an ending; it was an opportunity to reset and focus on finding a path that resonated more deeply with who I am and what I want to build.

Spring came in the form of exploring new opportunities and investing in areas that brought me joy and fulfillment. I embraced new opportunities that pushed me in different directions: setting up a small business development consultancy and outdoor education facilitation at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp (this place save my life), where I share my love for the outdoors and meaningful connection with students.

At the same time, I began devoting more energy to growing my business, the Waterford Bee Company. Beekeeping has been a part of my life for over six years, and this transition gave me the chance to expand what started as a passion into something more. Whether it’s meeting customers at markets, developing new products, or simply celebrating the vital role of bees in our ecosystem, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and creativity through this work.

Levinson’s framework reminds us that life is not static, and transitions are not failures—they are the natural rhythm of growth. Each season has its purpose. Summer brings productivity and joy; autumn brings reflection and harvesting the fruits of our labor; and winter, while challenging, fosters the resilience needed to begin again.

If you’re navigating your own career change, I encourage you to embrace the seasons. Reflect on where you’ve been, but don’t fear where you’re going. Transitions are an opportunity to ask yourself tough questions, rediscover your values, and realign your path with your passions.

As for me, I’m stepping into a season of renewed purpose and possibility. Whether it’s through helping organizations refine their messaging, teaching students in the outdoors, or continuing to grow Waterford Bee Company, I’m excited to see how the seeds planted during this period of change will continue to grow and bloom.

What season are you in right now? How are you embracing it to build the future you want? Let’s start a conversation.