My 3 Truths About Transitions
Most of the women in my Career Command Membership, 1:1 coaching programs and in my community in general are in a spectrum of career transitions. They range from feeling the tug that they should do something different to actively working a job search to returning to careers after taking time to care for families.
When I dive into conversations with them, there’s one feeling that comes up again and again.
Shame.
They think:
I should be farther along by this point in my life and career.
There’s something wrong with me for not having “the answer” yet.
Everybody else has found their own perfect path.
I’m defective because I can’t make my current path work.
When in reality, they’re on the edge of discovering their power.
Change is the stand you take for yourself. The acknowledgment that you are worth having something different. The thing you truly want.
Here are the 3 Truths About Transitions I share with clients so they can move out of the shame that is keeping them stuck and into the possibilities that are waiting for them.
1. Every single fulfilling career includes transitions.
It’s as simple as that. Change is a constant variable in life so it makes sense that careers would be rife with twists and turns to match it. Having a fulfilling career does not mean every moment is fun or easy. Careers that feel true to who you are, include taking risks, figuring out the hard parts, learning, growing, and building the resilience skills to weather the next change. Because it will be upon you before you know it!
2. Your transition means you are advocating for yourself (if you make it mean that.)
Whether you chose this transition or you’re reacting to a life moment, this is your opportunity to ask yourself, “What do I want?” It’s your time to resist the traditional formulas we are sold that promise success if we remain on one path. You can share this moment with confidence and pride in the agency you have over your life, or you can stay in shame. The story you tell about your transition is your choice.
3. Most (and not all) of your people will support you during your transition.
Some of your people will support you in your transition and some won’t. A few of the people who don’t support you are not actually your people. Recognize that and act accordingly. While others who don’t support you truly do love you but can’t get around their own fear. There’s no need to cut them out completely but know that you don’t need to share the updates on your transition with these people. Conversely, you MUST talk to your advocates, your supporters, your ride or die people through this moment. You need them and the more you can share with them, the more they can help you!
When you’re living these truths during a moment of change, know that the quickest way out of shame is seeing for yourself that you are not alone. The women in my Career Command Membership are floored when they realize—wow—all of these ambitious, inspiring women are going through what I am, and I would NEVER think the things about them that I’m currently thinking about myself. Choose power during this change and find the people who will help you continue to fuel it in yourself.