A job transition is often marked by some degree of stress and anxiety.
The unknown casts a cloud of uncertainty above each decision and action you take during a transition, and you can be plagued by questions that cause you to second guess every decision you are presented with. How will this change your career and your livelihood? Will this cause a downturn in your career? Will you still accomplish your goals in the time frame you have set? How will this change affect your family?
The myriad of feelings that elicit stress and anxiety during a transition can ultimately result in actions that may have a detrimental effect on your career.
Therefore, it is at times when you feel the most uncertain and the most pressure that it becomes necessary to maintain control and power over your career.
How do you do that when under so much stress and pressure?
Remember the Big Picture
Take the time to assess the big picture of your career. While your short-term goals may seem more important now, it is imperative you consider how the short-term fits into your long-term goals.
You may feel desperate to find a fix to the current situation you are in; however, a quick fix often does not pay off in the long run. Consider your options to ensure the decisions you make will serve your long-term career goals. Furthermore, focusing on the big picture allows you to maintain relationships as you exit a position as you are more focused on being proactive rather than reactive.
Focus on Your Personal Brand
Your values are vital to your career success and happiness. Therefore, in a time of transition, it is more important than ever to assess your values and create a compelling, clear story to communicate your personal brand to potential employers. Development of your personal brand allows you to prepare to stand out during the job interview process.
Invest in Your Network
A time of job transition may be when you find yourself relying on your network the most. You do not, however, want to appear desperate. Remain in control. Seek out information and possible referrals from your network, but remember to nurture your relationships by giving as well as receiving. Create opportunities to help out members of your network and expand your network value as you establish new connections.
Create a Plan
Stress and anxiety are minimized when you have a carefully thought-out plan to execute. How are you going to manage this time of transition? How is it essential to spend your time? As you consider your short- and long-term goals, create a plan of action that spells out the steps to accomplish those goals.
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