What do you do if your career transition feels overwhelming?

Sometimes is hard to know what to do next in your career. All you know is that what you are currently doing doesn't feel good anymore and you need a change. Pause and do your best to reconnect with your passions, what motivates you, what you are good at and what areas of your experience you like the most. Think what are the top 2-3 things where you usually are the go-to person to ask for advice or support or feedback you have received before. Then check the market: do a bit of research on job posts, LinkedIn profiles, market trends, etc. and see if there is a potential match with your interests and skills. Then start planning strategically to get there and if it feels overwhelming, you can always count on a career coach for support.

Any job search will feel overwhelming without a solid strategy. Developing a strategy including where to look, how to look, what tools to use, etc. is paramount to success. A strategy will help keep you focused so you don't fritter away time/energy/money and become frustrated. It will help you with your plan B and it will help you recognize if choices you've made aren't working. View your journey like a project - what's your project plan look like? Knowing next steps and pacing yourself are great tools to help you manage and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

If your career transition feels overwhelming, start by breaking down the process into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Seek support from mentors, career coaches, or supportive networks who can offer guidance and perspective. Allocate time for self-care to manage stress and maintain your well-being. Stay flexible and open to adjusting your plans as needed. Remember, it's okay to move at a pace that feels right for you.

Take a step back and approach the change one step at a time. Start by clarifying your career goals and what you want to achieve in your new role or industry. Break down these goals into manageable tasks to avoid feeling swamped. Connecting with a mentor who has experience in the field you're entering can provide invaluable guidance and reassurance. Additionally, give yourself permission to feel uncertain and recognize that feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of facing significant changes. Self-care and ensuring you have adequate downtime can help maintain your mental and emotional health, keeping you grounded and focused as you navigate your career transition. Remember, you are not competing with anyone. Keep your own pace.

If your career transition feels overwhelming, take proactive steps to manage the situation. Break the process into smaller tasks and prioritize them. Seek support from friends, family, mentors, or coaches. Set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories. Practice self-care to maintain physical and mental well-being. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot. Consider seeking professional help if needed. Take breaks to reflect and reassess your approach. Stay organized with tools like to-do lists and calendars. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively navigate the transition and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

If feedback isn't offered - seek it! Didn't get the interview after the screening call or the offer after the round of interviews? Ask for feedback, in the right way. Many people are willing to respond when you approach them with the desire to improve, etc. Then analyze it. Does it resonate? Is it helpful? Is it completely out of left field? Not all feedback is helpful or even on target. It is that person's perspective. So, seek it, use it, but conversely, don't let it crush you if it seems completely either aggressive or unrealistic.

We generally think of career transition as one single decision; that's where we go wrong and overwhelm ourselves. This journey is made up of many smaller decisions that beautifully fit together to build your future career. Go easy on yourself and celebrate every step!

Transitioning is a big deal! You're human. Whether the pivot is by choice or circumstances, change is never easy and taking on a new direction - even one about which you feel excited and passionate - is a big life step filled with uncertainty. Be gentle with yourself and give your hard work towards this path time to realize results.