Life and Job Transitions Life Transitions
Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both life and nature, there are times when things move slowly and don't seem to change very much. Then, suddenly, things change quickly. Moving from August to September, the weather changes gradually at first, and then it seems that suddenly summer is over. It is the same in our lives; transitions are as natural as the changing seasons.
Life transitions are challenging because they force us to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability. Most life transitions begin with a string of losses:
Any significant loss makes most people feel fearful and anxious. Since your future may now be filled with questions, it is normal to feel fear. On the positive side, these transitions give us a chance to learn about our strengths and to explore what we really want out of life. This time of reflection can result in a sense of renewal, stability, and a new equilibrium.
A life transition can be positive or negative, planned or unexpected. Some transitions happen without warning, and they may be quite dramatic, and others come from positive experiences. Whether positive or negative, life transitions cause us to leave behind the familiar and force us to adjust to new ways of living, at least temporarily. They can leave us feeling completely unprepared and we may be thrown into a personal crisis, feeling shocked, angry, sad, and withdrawn. Although life transitions are often difficult, they have a positive side, too. They provide us with an opportunity to assess the direction our lives are taking. They are a chance to grow and learn.
Examples of Life Transitions
Stages of Life Transitions
1. Experience a range of negative feelings (anger, anxiety, confusion, depression, numbness, self-doubt).
2. Feel a loss of self-esteem.
3. Begin to accept the change.
4. Acknowledge that you need to let go of the past and accept the future.
5. Begin to feel hopeful about the future.
6. Feel increased self-esteem.
7. Develop an optimistic view of the future.
The process of moving through a transition does not always proceed in these nice, predictable stages. People usually move through the process in different ways, often cycling back and forth among the stages. Job Transitions
While changing jobs usually provides individuals with a new source of excitement and happiness in their lives - at work and at home - sometimes a re-evaluation of career goals with a counselor is all a person needs to rejuvenate. Whether you're changing jobs or simply looking for ways to improve your current position, working with a counselor can have a positive and profound impact on your life.
Counseling can restore your happiness in your work and help you determine what you need and want from your job.
Questions you may be asking yourself:
Where am I going now with my current job? Is this the right time to change jobs?
What can I do to make my current job better?
Should I go back to school?
What is my next step - how can I make this change happen sooner rather than later?
I'm not sure what I want to do - what are good job choices for my abilities and interests?
What do I want to do when I stop working and/or retire?
We help people who are searching for a new direction or who are in transition. This includes high school or college students wanting more clarification for choosing further education, workers who are downsized, or professionals who are unsatisfied with their current jobs.
We understand you work hard to create your life and earn a living. We want to help you succeed and achieve your goals.
 If you are considering a transition, or are already in the midst of one, and would like some assistance coping with the challenges you are facing, please contact us today for a free consultation and ask to speak with Kimberley Harris, Ray Robinson, Jennifer Reed, or Chris Berger.
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