4 Steps to Navigate Career Change

You are up for the change. Whatever has happened to you in the last weeks or months - you are strong enough to handle it.

In the past I've been laid off, passed over for promotion, failed at presentations, made poor project management decisions, failed to keep stakeholders aligned and ALL sorts of career missteps. They impacted my health, relationships and finances. I spent a lot of valuable time wondering if I was good enough, fretting about how I'd screwed up and generally beating myself up.

It is amazing our human capacity to weaponize accountability in negative ways until it paralyzes our creativity, intuition and confidence.

While that may be human behavior it is not helpful to getting through tough times. I've been thinking a lot about friends, aquantances and complete strangers who have been impacted by layoffs and other changes in these tumultuous times. In many cases it doesn't seem fair. The logic that rules these decisions is inscruitable by design.

Whatever. All that is distraction. In many cases in our careers the, "Why?" simply doesn't matter because we have no control over it. It wasn't about performance, politics or personality. It just was. So now what? Well, first remember everything I write here is my own opinion and not that of my employer or anyone else for that matter. Please - as always - take what you need and leave the rest.

Step One: REST

If you or your team were impacted by layoffs it is a traumatic event. You need a minute to breath, gather yourself and regroup before doing anything. If you did not get impacted you are still processing the emotional energy flying around your organization, especially if you were the manager who had to DO the layoff. Few people talk about the managers who have to deliver the awful news but I have been that person and it counts as one of the worst, unavoidably necessary days of my career. Spend time with family, get a massage, binge watch something fun or get out into nature but let your mind, spirit and body recover.

Step Two: LISTEN

Before posting on LinkedIn and every other social media outlet pause and listen to yourself. It is not required, though its become fashionable, to post your entire long layoff story on these outlets. I personally don't think it is that smart from a professional brand perspective. You don't need to process your goodbye in this large public forum to become a part of the history of the Internet. If you want to that's cool but it's not necessary and may even be unwise if you are job hunting after that.

As you rest and get still listen to your intuition about how to tell your own story. Discuss with trusted allies. Heed their advice that is particular to you and your situation. You do not have to follow the crowd in this next phase. In fact, maybe not following the crowd is what this change is about. Turn up the volume on your own wisdom with the help of your trusted circle.

Step Three: FIND YOUR COMPASS

Ask yourself one question: What percentage of your day did or do you spend at the intersection of your talent, your fulfillment and creating impact? That is the sweet spot for any career. Were you doing that? If so - fantastic - let's do more of that! If not, how can you get there? This venn diagram isn't unique to my insight. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere before so forgive me for not giving appropriate credit but this is my compass every day and it helps me to feel as if I'm doing the most to contribute to my own and my families future.

Step 4: Make a Plan

Nothing is ever accomplished sitting on the couch or doomscrolling Blind. Spare yourself negativity. Turn down the voice of that inner critic and start planning. If you were laid off, who are you going to meet with? Where do you WANT to work? What will get you closer to that sweet spot. If you remain in your company how can you ensure the same? Career plans, that likely should be paid more attention to before a traumatic event, need care and maintenance. What is your plan? ASK FOR HELP to get started. You are not in this alone.

Planning might look something like:

1. What's the health of your professional brand? What are you known for?
2. How much of your work takes you toward things that give you fulfillment?
3. Are you in a growth section of your industry?
4. Are there personal changes (like location) you want or need to make?
5. Are there professional or educational goals you want or need to pursue?
6. Do you have a desire to start your own business?
7. Who should you reach out to find your next adventure?

This are only high level bullet points to get you started. Answering these will also help you get the most from a professional career coach's time if you choose to engage one.

Step 5: Stay Connected

Isolation is the enemy of good mental health. During this change find a way to stay connected to your personal and professional community. Visit with others, in person or online. Attend local business meet ups or user groups. If one doesn't exist, and it makes sense for your plan above, start one. Make sure you connect with others as you embark up the journey in front of you. We are always stronger together.

Change can be the catalyst for a new and more fulfilling life. Nurture action over anxiety to move forward.

Take charge of the changes happening around you, to the best of your ability. It's normal to feel many emotions at a time like this. Choose to move into action to create your next experience for yourself. Share your journey with us here and don't forget to help others along the way. We are one professional community and together we are tough enough to weather anything.