Three steps to a successful career transition

The recent pandemic has turned the reality of workers upside down: loss of employment, search for meaning, search for balance, exhaustion, etc. Several reasons have led the working population to reflect on their career path. For some, this reflection has led to a professional transition.  

What is career transition?  

By definition, transition is an intermediate stage between the past and the future. At the professional level, transition refers to the passage from work to retirement, the temporary entry and exit from the professional context (e.g. parental leave), and the change of function or job in the course of one’s career in the same or in a different profession, the changes resulting from the transformation of the company and finally, the alternation of periods of employment and periods of unemployment (Masdonati, Zittoun, 2012).   

Professional transitions are now common  

Career paths have traditionally been linear, marked by the entry into the world of work and exit upon retirement. Career reflection took place mainly at the beginning of the career path, when the time came to choose a field of study. The evolution of the current socio-economic context has recently given rise to more flexible career paths to better respond to the new realities of organizations. As a result, workers are now required, during their professional life, to engage in learning new knowledge and developing their skills. As a result, this evolution of the work market requires them to regularly review their career path. This reflection can lead to retention, but it can also result in a professional transition. Several signs can lead workers to consider a transition, including dissatisfaction, demotivation, stagnation, a loss of meaning, deteriorating conditions or a lack of recognition, to name just a few. It should not be forgotten that career transitions are also often dependent on social or economic changes (e.g. a company restructuring or an economic crisis) over which workers have little or no control.   

Beware, the transition is a fragile period!  

Whether imposed or desired, periods of transition are sometimes complex for the worker. It is a break from the past toward an uncertain future. It is a fragile period that triggers its share of emotions, thoughts, and confusion. In modern societies, the professional sphere is a central reference point for the construction of a person’s identity. During a professional transition, our identity is thereby weakened. For this reason, it is essential to go at your own pace during the transition in order to rebuild your professional identity. The duration of the transition process varies from one person to another. Shlossberg et al’s (1995) model posits that reactions to transitions are influenced, among other things, by the type of transition, the context in which it occurs and the impact it has on their lives. Roberge‘s model (1998), approaches transition through the analogy of seasons. Fall refers to grief, winter to neutral and spring to new beginnings. This approach to transition allows us to see this process as natural. This model allows us to understand that it is good to give time to each phase of the transition to promote its success.   

Every transition is an opportunity for development, bringing with it new possibilities and obstacles. To make a successful career transition, you must take the time to invest in certain important steps.

Important steps to a successful career transition  

The understanding of oneself 

The transition process involves a period of time to go from emotions to a feeling of inner peace and to devote oneself to a new project. Inhabiting the transition allows to give meaning to the experience (Roberge) in order to succeed in change. It is important to recognize the feelings and sensations of the transition (loss of reference, loss of identity, loss of certainty, etc.) and to find the causes. This step will make it easier for you to act on the changes to come. Subsequently, it is necessary to understand that which is important to you. Introspection will help you answer essential questions about your expectations and needs at work. For example:  

• What are the expectations of your work?  
• What place do you want to give to work in your life in order to achieve your balance?   
• What are your criteria for professional success?  

The balance of my resources  

During this stage, you must reclaim your resources by taking stock. Throughout your life, both professional and personal, you have developed skills. The objective of this step is to identify and validate the skills you have acquired in order to transfer them to your new professional objective. It is also at this point that you must clarify the knowledge you have acquired throughout your life. You must take the time to identify your interests, your values, and your personality traits. It is also important to make an inventory of the resources you have at your disposal, i.e. your material, social, personal and energy resources.  

Professional foresight  

This step allows you to explore the job market and opportunities in your current environment. You can surf the Web or contact people to ask them questions about their position and responsibilities. These actions are very constructive during the exploration phase. However, during your research, you must make sure that the characteristics and conditions of the jobs or professions you are exploring are consistent with the elements of self-knowledge you have previously targeted.    

Implementation of the project  

Lastly, you need to put in place conditions that are conducive to achieving your goal. A career review can result in several scenarios, including remaining in the job with some adjustments, remaining in the profession with a change of environment, or changing careers. Whatever the outcome of the scenario, to be successful, you must rely on your motivation and sense of self-efficacy. However, you may be subject to potential challenges should you wish to put a project into action quickly. Consequently, be sure to avoid:  

• Procrastinating or getting involved in distracting activities;  
• Devaluing your options;  
• Exaggerating certain elements to make your decision difficult or impossible;
• Handing over to someone the responsibility of deciding for you;  
• Delegating your future to a heavenly force, such as fate.

This type of reflection process is challenging and can lead to fears, blockages, and obstacles. As part of your reflection process, it is possible to be accompanied by a guidance counsellor. These professionals in counselling, guidance and career development accompany people in career transition. You can find these experts in community organizations, in firms or privately. I invite you to refer to the website of the Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec.

 

Stéphanie Crites, C.O

Leader in Professional Development, Coach and Guidance Counselor at EPSI