Top 10 Ways to Cope with Job Transition

Changing Jobs

Changes to your life can happen in a blink of an eye. Changing jobs is not different than any other aspect of life. Knowing how to make that transition can be very helpful and reduce the stress.

The Steps to Consider

Job transitions can be stressful—whether they’re due to layoff, a new job or working extra hours because others workers were laid off. If you’re facing one, consider the following.

1. Take an honest look at yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses, skills? How did those influence—positively or negatively—your transition?

2. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally taxing. You need self-care now more than ever.

3. Engage your curiosity. What went wrong, or right? What could you have done better? What worked really well?

4. Focus on what you want, and less on what you don’t want. Keep your eye on the prize.

5. Find support. Since your transition affects your family as well, it may be better to seek the outside support of friends or professionals.

6. Work on your thoughts. Calm your fears and reinforce your sense of hope and happiness.

7. Reassure (or avoid) those who are threatened by, or jealous of, the change.

8. Create your own rite of passage. Ceremony and ritual help with all transitions.

9. Let go of how things were “supposed to be” and accept “how things are.” Find appreciation for what is.

10. Keep things in perspective. Or try on a new perspective. Don’t get stuck. Remember, the only constant is change.

Review, Consider, Adapt

The final step is to review your progress. However, with all plans written by others, review the steps, ask which ones you are willing to put into practice. If there are any of them that seem too difficult, does not work with your lifestyle, adapt them.

Review your progress. Is there any aspects of your plan that is not working? Is there a need for change?

Don’t be afraid to make those changes. Adapt to fit you. Make it personal.

Used with permission, © Claire Communications