by David Rickabaugh
You’ve recently experienced a major change in your external circumstances – possibly the loss of a job, a change in your organization or life, or perhaps the loss of a relationship or a loved one – and you are in the middle of the process to adapt to that change. Learning how to navigate this career transition process is important, because approaching it well can shorten the duration of the process and decrease the severity of the negative impact you experience. Think of this process as more of a marathon than a sprint.
William Bridge’s Transitions Theory can help. This career transition model explains how humans adapt to change. Bridges defines Change as an alteration in your external circumstances, and it most often happens fast. Transitions, on the other hand, are about your internal experience as you move through life, often marked by major milestones.
Moving through the transitions required to adapt to change involves 3 phases:
Phase 1
Endings: Letting go of what was; saying goodbye to what was. This includes letting go of old ways, patterns, and often people who have been important to our daily lives. An ending impacts our confidence, morale, mood, sense of competence, and often hits hard at our self-esteem. Often an Ending results in moving through the 5 D’s:
Tip: Let yourself feel the pain of the ending and to process the 5 D’s. Doing so will shorten the overall process and keep it from being cyclical.
Phase 2
Tips:
Phase 3
New Beginning: Often the line between the Neutral Zone and a New Beginning isn’t clear. It’s characterized by an increase in confidence, morale, energy, and hope. You may begin to feel antsy to move forward. You begin to pursue new ideas and opportunities, or even engage in a new opportunity like a new job.
Tips:
About the author:
MSc Coach Psych
Senior Consultant | Waldron
David is passionate about helping others to identify and accomplish their goals, to be more successful in their careers, and to live happier, more satisfying lives. He embraces evidence-based, scientifically proven methods, including cognitive behavioral coaching and positive psychology interventions.