The average person will make this transition
9 or more times in their lifetime. I’m willing to bet you’ve
successfully traversed the often murky waters of this particular change
several times yourself. It can be a rite of passage from childhood
to adulthood or even a change of life passage as we grow older. It
can be an integral part of a mid-life crisis as well. A favorite author/artist
of mine, SARK, claims to have made this transition 250 times –
admittedly, much more than many of us. Have you guessed yet? How many
times have you started a new job?
Whether we’re moving from our current field into another, transitioning
into a fun ‘retirement job’ out of our long-standing career
positions, or just starting fresh and new into the world of work,
there are several steps we should take to navigate our passage from
old to new as smoothly as possible. First, say goodbye to the old,
then don’t look back; second, take time for a little R &
R; and third, ease into the new, with confidence.
Number One - Closure: “Ride the horse in the direction that
it’s going.” Werner Erhard
Whether you’re leaving an old position, or your former life
as a student, homemaker, or coming out of retirement, take time to
review your last situation with awareness of what you liked, what
you didn’t like, what you will miss, and what you will not.
Face the change squarely, acknowledge the changes you dread, and also
find things to look forward to. Don’t hold on to what is quickly
becoming the past. Prepare instead, for your future by preparing for
perfect closure. Make notes about what you learned there, what you
gained, and what you’re looking forward to now. Be sure to include
your accomplishments and major projects you completed in that stage,
as they will probably help you update (or create) your resume for
your next step. If you are leaving a current position, regardless
of the reason, tie up loose ends and leave instructions for the co-workers
or new hire taking over your duties. Being responsible and professional
up to the end will always feel better, and be better in the long run.
Make sure you let clients, key customers, and other departments know
you are leaving, and who they can contact in the future. Doing all
of these things helps you make peace with your transition in any circumstance,
and brings a healthy sense of closure to your experience. On your
last day, look around and acknowledge that place, those people, that
role in your life, and appreciate all you learned there. Be mindful,
and say goodbye with intention, as you might to a fond friend or acquaintance
in a far off place you know you’ll likely never see again. When
you walk away, don’t look back. Then you are ready for stage
two.
Number Two - Rejuvenate: “Every now and then go away, have a
little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment
will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears
smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony
and proportion is more readily seen.” Leonardo Da Vinci
Make sure you take at least a long weekend, if not more time in between
one major post in life and another. Allowing down time in between
jobs, school and job, or even semi-retirement and jobs is an important
part of preparation for the rest of the transition into the new. Literal
time and space clears your mind, mends your heart, and rests your
body to aid you in creating a clean slate, fresh start for that new
position. Take some time to make a ‘wish list’ of your
perfect job - the ideal work environment, perks, co-workers, boss,
as well as the goals you have for yourself in this new venture, the
skills you’d like to sharpen, etc. Getting clear on where you’re
headed will help you get there faster.
Number Three – In the Beginning: ““Talk low, talk
slow, and don’t say too much.” John Wayne
As you begin your new position, it’s always prudent, at least
in the first weeks and maybe months, to practice listening, observing,
and learning all you can. Read up, ask pertinent, well informed questions,
and make sure you do the little things like being on time for work,
meetings, break times, as well as leaving your work space neat and
doing quality work: all ways to start making a good impression without
stepping on any toes. Also, take stock of your strengths to help boost
your confidence during the challenges of adjusting to a new environment.
Take things slow, focus on building relationships, and know there
will be time to shine once you’ve been accepted and assimilated
into the new team.
No matter how many times you’ve made the passage (even if it’s
250 or more!), there’s always a learning curve. Allow for that.
A stumble often avoids a fall, the best way out is always through.
Accept the change, take a breath, and celebrate! A brand new door
awaits your passage.
“Still round the corner there
may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” – JRR Tolkien
Shannon Terry is a job search coach
and workshop facilitator. She offers personalized resume writing,
interview coaching, and workshops for jobseekers. (727) 321-4172.
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