Change and Transition
Change can be difficult for many people. When it involves job/career it can be very stressful.
The way people cope with change varies hugely, but an understanding of what is involved can help those of us who find change challenging.
Change and transition are different. Change can happen quickly, can be imposed by external events, and is characterised by a particular outcome; for example losing a job, finishing a course.
Transition, however is an internal psychological process. It takes time, it is characterised by the process not the outcome.
An example will help to understand the difference. After working for 6 years in a small set-up with people he really likes, Séan’s boss sells to a larger company. Seán could stay, but decides the time has come to try something new. The “change” has come from an external event, it has come quickly and with it a set of decisions have to be made. However the “transition” is more complicated. Séan has been faced with thinking through what he wants to do, re-evaluating his life and career, and choosing the new path he would like to take. This takes time.
Every transition starts with an “ending”. In the above example the ending for Séan is that the closely knit group of staff will no longer be working together, that his whole daily routine will not be the same. Many things will not be “the same”, and there is a loss and letting go in this. Events like leaving parties, presents, all mark the “ending” of his employment and as such are an important way of marking the “ending”.
Before a “new beginning” happens, in Séan’s case a new job/business, there is the “neutral zone”. The new identity has gone and the new has not taken root- it is a difficult state to be in for many people , but stay positive! In this zone you will have the opportunity to discover what really matters to you, what dreams you want to make come alive, and to cultivate a sense of purpose for the future.
New beginnings can be exciting, but the important work has been done in the neutral zone. By taking the necessary time and effort in this “chaotic” place, you will be setting up for a worthwhile and successful new beginning.
If this sounds like something you would like to explore then contact me for a confidential discussion.