Beginning a new career or making significant changes in your current role can be incredibly exciting. It can also be overwhelming, daunting and the beginnings of poor work habits that lead you down the road to burnout.
Whether you’re stepping into your first job, changing industries, or aiming for a higher position, it’s important to navigate these transitions thoughtfully - so I'm glad you've landed here on this blog!
I'm going to share some practical suggestions to support you as you advance your career, build your confidence, and maintain your wellbeing and a healthy state of work/life cohesion along the way.
Why is a new career or change in career risky to mental health?
Work is important, absolutely! But contrary to what hustle culture will tell you, work isn't everything and it's definitely not your entire identity. Starting out in a new job, career or role can be a high risk time for becoming burnt out. There can be a sense of wanting to fit in or impress so you may find yourself doing the following things:
Overworking and neglecting your personal time
Taking on too many responsibilities too quickly
Not acknowledging or communicating your capacity
Letting your ego hold you back from asking questions and seeking support
Feeling pressure to 'prove' yourself
Sacrificing sleep, exercise and other self-care activities
Working through your breaks 'because everyone else does'
Ignoring early signs of stress or burnout
10 Tips to Navigate Career Transitions Thoughtfully
1. Clarify Your Goals
First and foremost, get clear on what you want. What are your short-term and long-term career goals? Having a clear vision helps guide your decisions and actions. Write down your goals and break them into achievable steps. This clarity will not only keep you focused but also boost your confidence as you tick off each milestone. Can't do this effectively solo? Coaching is an amazing tool for empowered goal setting.
2. Build Your Skills
Identify the key skills required in your new role or industry and start building them. This could be through formal education, online courses, coaching, workshops, or self-study. Don’t forget soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are often just as important as technical skills (and in some cases more important!).
3. Network Effectively
Networking isn’t just about attending events and collecting business cards. It’s about building genuine relationships. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and industry professionals. Join professional associations or online groups related to your field. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find otherwise. There's a world of people out there who want to see you succeed, so tap into it!
4. Embrace a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that you can develop your abilities through hard work and dedication. This mindset helps you embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and persist in the face of setbacks. It’s essential for personal and professional growth and a skill that is worth developing across all areas of life.
5. Take Care of Your Well-being
Career transitions can be stressful, so it’s crucial to take care of your mental and physical health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Incorporate stress-relief practices into your routine, such as mindfulness, yoga, or simply taking regular breaks.
6. Seek Feedback
Be brave. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. It’s an essential tool for growth and development. Not asking for feedback is far more damaging in the long term that the fleeting discomfort that may come from receiving feedback in the moment.
7. Manage Your Priorities (Time) Wisely
Effective priority management is key to creating cohesion between work and your personal life. Keep your goals and values top of mind while you utilise tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking techniques to organise your tasks. Prioritise your work based on strategic importance and deadlines, and don’t forget to schedule downtime to reset and recharge!
8. Set Boundaries
It's important to establish clear boundaries between work and your personal life from day one to avoid burning out. Communicate your availability to your team and stick to your working hours as much as possible. This helps ensure you protect adn prioritise time to unwind and pursue personal interests. Remember - you are more than your career!
9. Stay Adaptable
Change is inevitable, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities. Being flexible will allow you to navigate unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities as they arise. Not naturaly an adaptable person? That's ok, this is a strength you can develop. Coaching is an excellent tool for developing niche skills and strenghts that will support and develop your career.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, make sure that you celebrate your achievements! I don't care how small or insignificant they may seem to anyone else, if it's a win for you it's a win! Acknowledging your progress boosts morale, building confidence and keeps you motivated to continue striving towards your goals. It can be as simple as keeping a list of wins in the notes app in your phone.
Embarking on a new career journey or making significant changes can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate these transitions smoothly and in a way that sets you up for ongoing personal and professional success. Remember to stay focused on your goals, build your skills, and take care of your well-being. Here’s to your success and fulfillment in your career!
Sounds good but you think you'd benefit from 1:1 support to achieve this? Come and work with me 1:1. Professional development coaching enhances employment opportunities, the impact of your career and the sustainability of your engagement in the workforce. If you're curious, please feel welcome to schedule a free (and obligation free) 30min consultation with me, held via Zoom.
Creating an energising and fulfilling life is in your hands!
Steph Edmunds
Work/Life Cohesion & Sustainable Excellence Coach and Facilitator
About the Author:
Steph Edmunds is a Tasmanian based Certified Professional Life Coach, Speaker and Facilitator specialising in Work/Life Cohesion and Sustainable Excellence for driven individuals and teams. Visit the Success Coaching Tasmania website for more information.
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