Managing Change
A little while back, I mentioned that I was working through a break-up. As time has gone by, the one thing that I still have to work through is how much the breakup has changed my day-to-day. During the week, it’s not that bad, I’m working and trying to get BGW up and running so my time and energy are being re-directed. However, come the weekend, I have to make a lot of adjustments to account for the new time and space that I have now that I’m not part of a couple. I thought about this a lot this week as I started to have conversations about exploring new career options with my tribe. The changes that come along with dealing with a new job, or in the case for me a new job search, still drum up the same amount of dread and anxiety that I’m trying to manage with this new breakup. As a way to redirect my energy and to find a balance with dealing with the emotions that come with change both from a professional and personal perspective, I’ve come up with a few things that seem to be working best for me.
Embrace the emotions that come with the changes you are experiencing.
Change is by no means easy for everyone. The one thing that you can bet on is that it’s inevitable, at least I think that’s how the old saying goes. As you dredge through changes, don’t beat yourself up over the emotions that come along with it, whether it’s anger, sadness, or good old fright, it’s ok for you to sit in it for a moment, try not to stay there for too long and leave it where it is when you move on.
Weigh the risk.
The idea of a new job change often comes with having to identify the risk that will possibly come along with that change. My go-to method to work through the risk that comes with change is a Pro's and Con's List. It’s an oldie but goodie method to really look at what you personally feel are risk associated with the changes that you are experiencing with a new job, such as relocating or a career change. Believe it or not, I’ve done this before in relationships too. You’ll be surprised at how you can weigh out a challenge you're dealing with in your relationship through a Pro's and Con's List. Hopefully, there are more pros on that list, though. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help or get advice. I’ve often worked through touch decisions and changes with the help of a therapist or by talking to a small group of friends. Both have provided me with the chance to talk out what I’m feeling and to get feedback that I can option to use or not.
Change is going to happen, however, in the words of Winnie the Pooh ‘“Think it over, think it under.”