Navigating career transitions

We know that change in life is not just a given, but a necessity. Without it, you risk stagnation. But why is career change – whether taking on different responsibilities or getting a promotion – so daunting??

A career transition is a period in which an individual adjusts to a different work setting or role. This period may be loaded with the full spectrum of emotions, from excitement and pride to stress, anxiety, regret, uncertainty and guilt. It is important to note that every emotion experienced is entirely personal, completely normal and totally founded: it’s how we deal with those emotions that is so important.?

What are you really feeling?

Much of the anxiety around career transitions is due to fear of the unknown: new colleagues, new routines, new systems, a change in culture. There’s also that creeping feeling of self-doubt (hello, imposter syndrome!). Is this the right role for you? Or worse, are you the right person for the role? But take comfort that without change, there’s no growth – for you or your new team, group or organisation.?

Career transitions often come with a side serving of guilt, too. Individuals frequently feel guilty for leaving old teams, particularly if strong relationships have been formed, or you feel as though you’re abandoning your colleagues ‘in the trenches’. But you cannot stay where you are stagnating, and colleagues with your best interests at heart will celebrate – rather than resent – you.?

Strategies to navigate career transitions?

Change is inevitable, and it might be that the feelings described above are too. So how do we learn to anticipate, accept and even – dare we say it – enjoy change? A few small actions can help greatly with managing stress and anxiety during a work transition:?

Spend time with yourself. Pinging devices, podcasts, social media, on-demand music and streaming entertainment… In today’s world of constant connection, how much time are we actually spending alone with ourselves? Our thoughts are often distracted by external stimuli, but it requires time and personal space to sit with your emotions in order to manage them. Carve out time for yourself to recharge, whether that’s unguided meditation, a walk (without your earbuds!) or even a distraction-free pamper session.

Tap into your network. Trusted colleagues, past and present, are a vital support system. They can provide objective guidance and valuable feedback for you as you journey ahead. A 2022 study entitled ‘Writing the next chapter during the great resignation or in the future’, published in Frontiers in Psychology, found that individuals who lean into at-work relationships make smoother career transitions than those who don’t. These individuals were also found to plan future network connections at the same time, thereby expanding their support network along their career path.?

Develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s common to order in some comforting food or reach for a drink to help manage stress and anxiety after the workday, but these are unhelpful ‘fixes’ that will end up back-firing in the morning. Choosing healthier coping mechanisms means supporting your mental and physical health, thus reducing stress in the long run. Getting regular exercise, making healthier food choices, getting enough good-quality sleep, limiting screen time and taking time to enjoy hobbies are just a few ways to boost mood and cope with stress better.

Need help navigating a career transition? Get in touch! Life Health Solutions is here to help you. Visit our website or email us at hello@lifehealthcare.co.za.