Understand Careers -Career Transitions

Introduction

Career transitions can be daunting for an individual who is not prepared for such a transition. It is important, first, to understand the difference between changing your career and a career transition. The second thing to understand is the various stages a person goes through when they transition. The terms "change" and "transition" are not interchangeable. Change refers to any external or outside factor in your life. These outside factors are things such as a new home, a new relationship, or a new job.

Transition, on the other hand, is more intense. It refers to an internal shift within a person. Usually, it indicates that a person has reached a certain point in their life where it is time to release or let go of something, usually a dream, an assumption, or a self-image. This internal shift (transition) can occur as a result of an external factor or change. An example of this is a person losing their job (this is change). When this happens, it could push a person to reassess their life and determine if it is time to perhaps pursue a new passion or dream, or perhaps shift one's attention to a different type of job which will bring more happiness and balance. This time of self-reflection could assist a person in reshaping who they are and the type of work or job they wish to perform. This period of reflection could result in a new career transition into a new role or field.

Transitions are a unique occurrence, as they begin with an ending of some sort, grow into a neutral phase, and end with the beginning of something new. Transitions are such that in order to start afresh and anew, one has to break down or get rid of the old, and give oneself and one's life some space to create something new for one's career.

Transitions begin with a five-phase process

Phase 1: Disengagement. This phase is an actual, physical break from your normal, ordinary life. One needs to disengage from the relationships and settings that were once important but no longer serve you.

Phase 2: Dismantling. This phase is where you take apart your life as you knew it before the phase of disengagement happened. This can mean breaking down systems and structures in your life, as well as the identity you built for yourself.

Phase 3: Disidentification. This refers to the internal changes that take place during the transition — this is the phase whereby you will lose the old definition of who you are. Being able to give up older job titles and roles that you occupied is important for your growth and identity. It is important to distance yourself from these aspects in this phase.

Phase 4: Disenchantment. This is the phase of the true or real shift in the way a person views the world. Perspectives, assumptions and ideas will change. This phase, however, can lead to feelings of disappointment and shock. When a person reaches this phase, it is a sign that they are ready to understand more now.

Phase 5: Disorientation. This phase can feel quite disturbing. A person will feel lost, in that they do not know what they are doing or where they are going. This phase is essential to start the process of transition, but often, people try to either avoid or rush this phase, as it is a painful, emotional phase.

The Neutral Zone

This area or zone refers to the timeframe in which a person is between their old life and their new life. This is an extremely unsettling phase, as you have been through the other phases but still do not know where you are headed. A person may experience confusion, loss of direction and fear. Many people have called this phase the period of confusion, loneliness and suffering. But this phase is needed in order to start something new. One must surrender to the feelings of fear and emptiness, and not try to avoid or escape it. Taking a small break, holiday, or retreat is beneficial, as it opens one up to experiencing transformation.

So how do you know you are ready for something new?

New beginnings often creep in unannounced. When a person is ready, new opportunities will arrive. Your inner "gut" will steer you in the right direction.

So, what are inner signals?

An inner signal can be somewhat hard to define or prove. It can be a subtle, often barely noticeable, feeling or emotion that a person may feel. It can also be an image, a dream, an idea or impression, or something as random as a comment made by someone else. An inner signal can be seen more as a realignment within a person, which can be caused by something external.

How can one be successful during this phase?

- Start by taking action.

- Picture yourself already in the final stage of transition.

- Take each step slowly and acknowledge that this is a process.

- Try to live and experience the process as it happens, and try to learn where you can while trying to make new contacts where possible.

What are the benefits and challenges of taking a transition job?

First, let us look at what a transition job is. A transition job can be seen as a temporary job or choice that assists you with your finances, but does not hinder or prevent you from doing the soul-searching needed for a transition. This "in-between" job is a non-permanent job that allows you to have some needed space to breathe and think.

Usually, this "in-between" job is something that you have done in the past and enjoyed. It can be something you did as a hobby, something you are good at, or something that excites you mentally. Some benefits include:

- The "in-between" job is something that is easy for you to find.

- You can earn some money while you are going through your transition.

- It allows you to take a break.

- It is a good short-term solution.

However, the challenges of an "in-between" job include:

- If you are not certain about your intentions overall, you might lose interest in the job.

- You have to cut back on additional expenses.

- You may waste your transition and the chance to do some proper soul-searching.

- An individual may be overcome by fear.

Lastly, when you have a strategy that will ensure success, you need to develop a support system to help you make this happen. Many people have said that those close to them do not understand the concept of career transition. This means that the person going through the transition has to be brave enough to do something different from everyone else.

It is important to also find support during this period. A person can find and join support teams or groups, and can also visit a career practitioner who can assist them through their transition and help them create a transition plan. Other resources that can assist a transitioner are employment agencies. A transitioner must also seek out the people who have offered support to them over the years. They are the people who will help and encourage the transitioner through the transition process.

Conclusion

Career transition can be a very daunting thing. There are many phases that a person will go through, but these phases are essential to successfully navigating a transition. A career practitioner can offer much-needed help and guidance during this confusing period. A person going through a career transition would benefit greatly from the advice and resources offered by a career practitioner, and should not hesitate to seek help.