Stepping into Discomfort: Struggles & Triumphs in a New, Unfamiliar Role

Transitioning from a high-pressure, fast-paced environment to a role focused on interpersonal skills and counseling has been a journey full of discomfort and unexpected challenges. My background in industrial aviation, where the culture is aggressive, fast-paced, and dominated by urgency, contrasts starkly with my new position. In this role, I’ve had to step away from barking orders and dive into listening, understanding, and supporting others—an entirely different skill set. The shift has been daunting, filled with moments of self-doubt and fears of inadequacy, but it's also been a powerful journey of growth and self-discovery.

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Taking on this new role has required me to navigate situations that I never encountered in my previous positions. For instance, dealing with a predominantly office-based setting where politics and patience are essential skills has been challenging. One particular moment that stands out was when I encountered an individual who was visibly angry and upset. This client, dealing with significant financial stress and a difficult divorce, expressed thoughts of harming someone. This situation was entirely outside my previous experiences, where I was used to more technical, hands-on challenges. I had to rely on empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor—skills I’m still developing—to de-escalate the situation and provide the necessary support.

These experiences have pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve had to adapt, learn new skills, and most importantly, remain open to the discomfort of not having all the answers. There have been moments where I’ve surprised myself, particularly in how I’ve been able to apply my past experiences in managing my own anger to help others work through theirs.

Embracing the Shift

In embracing this shift, I’ve had to develop new skills and approaches, many of which are still a work in progress. I’m set to begin a course soon that will help further develop these skills, but in the meantime, I’ve been observing and learning from others in similar roles. For example, I’ve learned how to address confrontational clients safely and effectively, something that wasn’t a concern in my previous work environment. This shift has also had a significant impact on my mindset and emotional well-being. Moving into this new role has been challenging, leading to moments of self-doubt and feeling like an imposter. However, it’s also reinforced my sense of responsibility to those I serve and motivated me to develop myself further.

The Importance of New Challenges

Looking back, the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from stepping outside my comfort zone include the importance of being willing to grow and adapt, even when it’s uncomfortable. This experience has changed my perspective on personal and professional growth—sometimes, growth requires you to completely change your environment, your mindset, and even your identity. It’s been a humbling experience, but one that I believe is making me a better leader and a more well-rounded individual. My advice to others facing similar transitions is to embrace the discomfort. It’s natural to feel out of place, to doubt yourself, and to struggle, but these feelings are all part of the process of growth.

Closing Thoughts...

As I continue to grow in this new role, I’m excited about the future and the opportunities to expand my impact, not just within the military community but also potentially within the broader local community. I’m motivated by the thought of helping others navigate their own challenges, whether it’s through financial counseling, marital counseling, or just providing a listening ear. If you’re hesitant about stepping outside your comfort zone, remember that true growth happens when you embrace the unknown. The discomfort is temporary, but the skills and self-awareness you gain from the experience will last a lifetime.

Have you ever stepped into a role that pushed you outside your comfort zone? How did you handle it? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.