Job transitions can be stressful, whether they’re due to layoff, a new job or working extra hours because other workers were laid off. I’ve mentioned in my About page that I was laid off from my almost 13-year-old job. I loved what I did and was comfortable with my peers and management. The company doing what businesses do best, looking out for their financial and best practices, decided to relocate to other cities and leaving us to make tough decisions.

They offered relocation benefits for those that decided to leave with the company and a good compensation package for those that decided to stay plus unemployment benefits. I, of course, decided to stay.

What do you do if something like this happens to you? For one, try not to feel like I did in this post where I felt that I’d lost my marbles.

If you’re facing one of the above situations, consider the following:

1. Take an honest look at yourself. Know what your KSAs are, (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities). What are your strengths and weaknesses? How did those influence—positively or negatively—your transition? As mentioned in this previous post, Finding The Work Life Balance, I state that I got the opportunity with an interpretation company, which is what I was doing in my previous job. Using those skills obtained, has allowed me to easily transition into this job.

2. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally exhausting. You need self-care now more than ever. Especially depending on the type of work obtained. I noticed that I have gained a few inches around what is supposed to be my waist, YIKES! You might find that a new job or whatever the situation is, will make you change your routine. If you used to be up and down at a previous job and now you’re stuck to a chair, make sure to continue exercising so your body doesn’t take a toll. Also, find activities that will allow you to get away from work, if you are a WAHM. Maybe you were used to working outside your home and are now there all day, find a place or activity outside that will help you have ME time.

3. Engage your curiosity. What went wrong, or right? What could you have done better? What worked really well? What did you learn while working for that company? Again, anything that you learned about yourself and the company/job, will help you in future opportunities or new employment. I learned a lot about insurance, which is a great help in this new job. Anything from leadership skills, public speaking, writing newsletters for your company can be a plus in any new opportunities.

4. Focus on what you want, and less on what you don’t want. Keep your eye on the prize. If you don’t want a 9-5 job, then look for opportunities that will be to your liking. Maybe start with a part time job and see if you’re comfortable with the schedule, environment and job. If you are a VA, make sure you speak to your client and clear up any issues that might arise from the beginning rather than hold it in until you can no longer manage the situation. List any skills and tasks you’re willing to work on and enjoy doing.

5. Find support. Since your transition affects your family as well, it may be better to seek the outside support of friends or professionals. Although, if you have a supportive husband and family, lean on them for help and motivation. My husband is really helpful by helping around the house and giving me time to work in the new job plus on my blog. He has taken the role of getting the kids ready for school in the mornings for me since I’m working at that time. Which is A LOT of help!

6. Work on your thoughts. Calm your fears and reinforce your sense of hope and happiness. Don’t worry of what will be but how you will succeed. Sometimes change is good! Just punch fear on the face and don’t let your thoughts push you down. Find what makes you happy in the new job or with your new VA client and make it work for you. If you have no idea what a VA does, this FREE course by Gina Horkey, 30 Days or less to Virtual Assistant Success is a great resource if you’ve thought of doing VA work.

7. Reassure (or avoid) those who are threatened by, or jealous of, the change. People will always talk, whether it’s negative or positive. Listen to the positive people around your life and get away from those that will only give off negative vibes. 

8. Create your own challenges and rewards. Rewarding yourself for achieving an accomplishment will help with all transitions. If you have learned a new skill in your new job or with a new client, find a reward that you will be happy to receive and reward yourself. It could be something little as being able to eat a slice of cheesecake (my favorite) or having some me time for a few extra minutes more.

9. Let go of how things were “supposed to be” and accept “how things are.” Find appreciation for what is. When I first transitioned out of my previous job, it was difficult finding my comfort zone in new opportunities. I was used to the people, environment and the work itself and couldn’t see myself in a different job. Now, from being surrounded by coworkers to being by myself in a small office has helped me learn more about ME. You too, can learn more about YOU and find your strengths through self talk and positive thinking. 

10. Keep things in perspective. Or try on a new perspective. Don’t get stuck. As they used to say in my previous job, CHANGE is always bound to happen, so you either change or stay behind. Imagine if technology would’ve never been part of our lives if those that created it would’ve stayed stuck in only with what they knew. No blogs, internet or an entire world would’ve been united without the web. Change is never wanted but it’s sometimes necessary!

As you go on evaluating yourself and the situation, don’t forget to give praise to yourself. You are valuable and make a difference no matter what the situation is. Think of the knowledge you gained and how you can use it to your advantage in another job or opportunity. Don’t underestimate yourself or be too hard on yourself.

One thing I honestly believe in is that things happen for a reason. Whatever the reason is, just embrace it and don’t let it push you down. It might make you stumble, but just keep pushing forward and put a positive twist on the situation. Whether you’ve been let go, you’re pursuing other opportunities or having major changes in your current job, make sure to follow the 10 points above and DON’T GIVE UP!

P.S. What have you done to prevent a major change in your work or life from taking you down? Do you usually face it with a positive attitude or does it take you some time to adjust?

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