Career Conversations

April 2006

Spring is a time of new beginnings! It is a time when everything in nature speaks of a new beginning: trees and flowers begin to blossom, lawns become vibrant green, and birds return from their winter vacations. Spring is an optimistic time of year with a great deal of anticipation for the warm weather ahead.

Spring is our opportunity every year to begin again! It’s a good time to reflect on our careers – and to consider what’s working well and what we may want - or need - to change. Are we feeling fulfillment and satisfaction in our work? Are we feeling appreciated? Are we enjoying challenges and interesting tasks in our work? Is our professional life compatible with our personal and family life? If not, perhaps it’s time to consider a new direction.

Of course, for most of us, change and transition is not easy. All changes, including career changes, can be described as a series of endings and beginnings. William Bridges, author of a number of books dealing with transitions says, “To gain, you must first give up. Every transition begins with an ending. We have to let go of the old before we can take on the new…not just outwardly, but inwardly too.”

The “Transition Journey” tends to have three stages. Before we can enter into a new situation, we have to end what used to be. In order to “cross over” from the ending to the new beginning, we have to experience a time of transition, also known as a “neutral zone” or the “wilderness.” The new beginning is the destination, the desired future state.

The three stages of the “Transition Journey” are:

Endings: Dealing with loss / Letting of the old / Coming to terms with the new
Transitions: Experiencing confusion and chaos / Questioning “fit” and abilities / Exploring new options, alternatives and possibilities
New Beginnings: Testing new thinking and behaviors / Integrating new experiences, embracing new goals / Becoming productive in the new context

As spring leaves bud and flowers bloom, we, too, can find new energy to make a new beginning!

Note: In future “CAREER CONVERSATIONS,” look for advice and tips on launching an effective job search, effective networking, consulting as a career option, transitioning to an active & rewarding retirement, creating a “portfolio career,” success factors for executives and managers, and related topics. Or, call me if you’d like to explore any of these areas this spring!