Navigating a Sudden Career Change

A perspective for success when facing a sudden, expected, or dreaded job or career change. 

Are you facing a restart, reboot, re-alignment, or whatever the proper words describe your current situation or that of a friend or colleague? Whether it is sudden or you have seen it, everything has changed, and you need to chart a new course.

Let me confess that I’ve been where you are, and my career, identity, relationships, and finances were suddenly and dramatically altered. I’m happy to say I’ve learned a lot. I learned the hard way, but with each subsequent change, the next one was easier and quicker. When I arrived on the other side, I came better, healthier, and with greater resilience and strength.  Because of that process, I share my experience and education here and with others I work with.

To start, let’s try to talk about how it feels.  If your job has ended or is about to end, it’s a big shock, and maybe you’re ready for it, but probably not. Sometimes, you may not be surprised, but that doesn’t mean you’re prepared. For some of you, you’ve been in your role, industry, or company for a long time, and you’re watching the inevitable systematic organizational restructuring come closer and closer to you. 

Any significant change in your career can be a real gut punch to your ego, confidence, connections, finances, relationships, and even social status. How do we begin to deal with this and move forward in a way that helps?

Be Honest 

Recognize what you feel: anger, resentment, embarrassment, fear, lack of confidence, or whatever is happening inside. Being honest will make the process of moving forward better.  Put a name to it. If you’re one of those people who need to understand why something is necessary before you do it, then here you go. Naming an emotion diffuses some of the sting. It doesn’t take it all away, but it makes it more real while simultaneously creating a little distance between you and it. I can’t explain any more than that.  If you’re embarrassed, recognize, label, and move forward through that emotion.  

Adopt a Growth Perspective

Don’t be turned off by this phrase. It simply means you’re open and receptive to a new opportunity to learn, and being open and willing to learn sets the tone for good stuff inside and outside.  It means you understand and accept that learning means you may not know all the answers or have all the skills.   Any new situation will require you to adapt, learn, and recognize that you, too, have much to learn. A resilient mindset is essential; you will need it as you adjust to the demands of a new path and reality.

Don’t Travel Alone

Try not to hide or isolate yourself from the world. Be intentional about creating, renewing, or nurturing meaningful connections with friends, family, and those from your past. You will want support and connection on this journey. If you can, network by considering attending industry events and using professional networking platforms.  Seek mentorship from professionals who have successfully navigated other difficult transitions. Those who have been through a lot are often willing to share and support others. Their perspective can save you time and energy and build confidence.

Bend, but do not break.

Be flexible and willing to adapt. There is no straight path to the other side, and persevering while keeping flexibility and adaptability as core competencies will be required.  This attitude or behavior is often referred to as resilience or grit. Change is hard, but it is necessary and coming for you whether you are ready. Flexibility is a key attribute that can serve you well.

Stress

Establishing goals and seeking clarity are essential. It is also important to be realistic about how far, fast, and straight the path will be. Losing a job or transitioning your career can be stressful, but it is also enriching and rewarding. 

Recognize that stress, fear, or insecurity will appear in your job search, relationships, and interview process. Think about it. Your stress will show up when you’re with those closest to you. It will also show how you look for your new job, respond, interview, and show up there when you land it.   

Congrats, you get to start re-inventing, re-focusing, and re-starting, so why not start by being honest with yourself?

I’m no finance guy, but you must understand your situation and adjust if needed. Do this now, and don’t live in denial. You don’t know how long your transition will take, so don’t add stress by not understanding your overall financial picture, whatever your situation is. 

Patience 

Whatever the reason that caused or was the catalyst of your job change, your primary role now is to be the CEO of your life.  For most people, finding and starting their next job takes longer than expected. Of course, you’re fantastic, excellent, and in demand. Of course, companies are desperately looking for you.  But it’s better to be mentally prepared for the frustration and time it takes to find your next thing. 

Direction

Take a breath and do a simple self-assessment. Identify some of your core values, skills,  passions, and job market landscape, which might reveal the path you want to take. Take time to inventory your history, passions, and abilities. It can be a helpful exercise in remembering who you are and what makes you unique.

Confidence  

The gut punch to confidence is a major, perhaps the most challenging aspect of a job search or transition.  It’s where you want to pay close attention and create, find, and seek out reminders, relationships, and past accomplishments that can bolster your self-confidence. At one point, I called an old colleague to ask them what I was good at when we worked together.  As funny as the question was, their response bolstered my confidence and belief in myself, and this brief exchange lifted me when I needed it.  (Thank you, Elizabeth.)

This journey will present challenges and maybe even setbacks, but there is a future on the other side.  Celebrate small victories, exercise patience, and understand that sustained growth requires time and effort.

Resources

Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, 

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck.