Navigating the Emotional Journey from School to the Workplace: A New Approach for Career Counselors

By Ajith Bopitiya

The transition from school to the world of work is one of the most significant changes young people face, and it’s not just about the practicalities of finding a job. For many, this shift involves an emotional journey that can mirror the well-known "5 Stages of Grief" model, which Elisabeth Kübler-Ross developed to describe how individuals cope with loss. When applied to the process of change, this model helps us understand the emotional highs and lows young clients face during their career transitions.

As career counsellors, we have a responsibility to guide young people through not only the practical steps of job searching but also the emotional process of adjusting to this new chapter in their lives. By blending Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's 5 Stages of Grief (Change) model with career guidance principles, we can create a structured approach to support our clients every step of the way.

Stage 1: Denial – Addressing Unrealistic Expectations

At the start of this journey, many young people have a set vision of what their careers will look like—often filled with idealized notions of success. The reality of today’s job market, however, can be quite different. This disconnect can lead to a stage of "denial," where they cling to unrealistic expectations and resist the need to adjust their plans.

Career Guidance Tip: This is the perfect time to help clients conduct a self-assessment. Use tools and exercises to guide them in identifying their strengths, values, and skills, while also helping them align their expectations with the current job market. Introduce them to labour market realities through industry research and real-world examples. It’s not about discouraging their ambitions, but rather giving them a grounded understanding of the steps required to achieve them.

Stage 2: Frustration – Navigating Uncertainty

As reality begins to sink in, young clients often enter a period of frustration. They might feel overwhelmed by the job search process, unsure of which path to take, or disheartened by the competition in their chosen fields. This frustration can manifest as anger or anxiety, which can stall their progress.

Career Guidance Tip: Encourage your clients to explore multiple career options through internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work. Hands-on experience helps reduce frustration by providing clearer insights into different roles and industries. Additionally, offer skill-building workshops in areas like job searching, interviewing, and networking to help them feel more confident in navigating the job market.

Stage 3: Depression – Coping with Setbacks

The next stage can feel like a low point. Clients may face rejection, confusion, or the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next. Their morale may dip, and they might lose motivation, entering a stage of "depression" where they feel stuck or unsure of how to proceed.

Career Guidance Tip: At this stage, the key is encouragement and small wins. Help clients set achievable short-term goals, like revamping their resume, applying for a certain number of jobs, or attending networking events. This breaks the process down into manageable tasks, giving them a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, provide emotional support by encouraging them to share their feelings and reminding them that setbacks are a natural part of the career journey.

Stage 4: Experimentation – Trying Out New Approaches

As they begin to emerge from the previous stages, clients become more open to experimentation. They may start applying for jobs in different fields, exploring new industries, or engaging in new job search techniques. This stage is about active engagement and exploration.

Career Guidance Tip: Encourage experimentation through workshops or career fairs, and guide them in applying for roles outside their initial focus to broaden their perspective. Reflection is also crucial here. Help them reflect on their experiences, successes, and challenges to refine their approach. Support their engagement with experiential learning, whether through internships, part-time jobs, or freelance opportunities.

Stage 5: Decision – Building Confidence and Commitment

As clients gain more experience, they begin to make informed decisions about their careers. At this stage, they actively learn how to navigate the job market, tailor their applications, and refine their skills to match the demands of their chosen field. They are learning to work within their new reality and are developing confidence.

Career Guidance Tip: Now is the time to focus on skill development. Encourage clients to seek out further education or certifications that align with their long-term goals. Offer career coaching to help them negotiate job offers, assess growth opportunities, or consider further education. It’s also beneficial to create a long-term career plan that outlines their future goals and the steps they’ll need to take to achieve them.

Stage 6: Integration – Full Adjustment and Growth

In this final stage, your client has fully transitioned into the world of work. They are comfortable in their role, confident in their abilities, and ready to continue growing in their career. This is where they truly integrate the changes they’ve gone through and start thriving in their new professional life.

Career Guidance Tip: Support ongoing development through mentorship and professional development planning. Encourage clients to engage in continuous learning and offer guidance on identifying future career opportunities or leadership roles. Help them reflect on their journey, reminding them of the challenges they overcame and the progress they made.

Supporting the Emotional Journey

By blending the 5 Stages of Change with practical career guidance principles, we, as career counsellors, can offer a holistic approach to help young clients navigate the emotional and practical aspects of their transition from school to work. Each stage requires a different level of support—whether it’s grounding their expectations, providing hands-on learning opportunities, or offering emotional encouragement.

In the end, it’s about recognizing that career transitions are not just about finding a job—they are emotional journeys that involve adaptation, growth, and self-discovery. And with the right support, young clients can successfully navigate these stages to not only find a job but also thrive in their new professional world.

About the Author: As a career coach and trainer with expertise in helping young professionals navigate their career paths, Ajith Bopitiya is dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to those entering the workforce. Specializing in leadership development, career guidance, and organizational effectiveness, Ajith offers insights on how to effectively guide clients through career transitions.