Changing jobs or roles isn’t just a change in work—it’s a challenge for your mind. We all have a nature that wants us to be involved in many things. Frankly, we are all generalists at heart, but we suppress that urge. Why? Because we’ve been told to. But that is the easier way out for the instance. In the long haul, being a generalist will make you adaptable and more agile as you solve problems and strategize in the future.
Whether moving from a corporate role to starting your own business, or advancing in your current job, success depends on managing the transition wisely.
Why Transitions Are Tough
- Identity Changes: Your job title often ties to your sense of self. Leaving it behind can feel like losing part of you.
- Fear of the Unknown: Not knowing what’s next can make you hesitant and scared.
- Overestimating Transferable Skills: Leaders often don’t realize how their skills can transfer to other jobs or sectors.
Three Steps to Handle Job Changes
- Reframe Your Experience:
- Find skills that can transfer. For example, leading in law involves making choices and resolving conflicts—skills that matter in any job.
- Show how you solve problems in different situations.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset:
- See transitions as chances to learn and develop.
- Set small, clear goals to gain confidence in your new position.
- Create a Support Network:
- Look for mentors who have gone through similar changes.
- Network wisely—connect with groups related to your new job or field.
Personal Experience: Changing Fear to Action
I have shifted careers many times in my life. Perhaps the hardest was when I closed my law firm and walked away from the concept of just being a lawyer. The first thing I had to do was realize that the law was not the only thing that I knew. Working with people, customer service, decision-making, and communication were all skills that I had to highlight in my legal career to prepare for the future.
I spent a lot of time reframing everything that I did to understand how it would work FOR me in the future. It was definitely something that was scary. I didn’t know if people would wanna hear from me. So, I created a network of people that I knew I could rely upon to help me make the transition because they have been in my shoes. Now I sit in my current business, knowing that I can talk to people who are in transition because I have been in their shoes. Whether it’s an entrepreneur, looking to grow into a new business or a see sweet Executive moving up the ladder, I have been there, and I have information to share.
Changing roles is not just about leaving behind the past—it is about using it to create a stronger future. Use your transferable skills and opportunities for growth, and every career move will turn into a success.
What’s your biggest struggle with job changes? Consider how you will get over it. It’s not a matter of if you will get over it. It’s a matter of when and how.