Career Advice

7 Things to Remember When Going Through a Career Transition

posted on July 29, 2019 | by Lauren Abraham

Starting a new job often comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Whether you’re excited about the new opportunity or have no idea what to expect, it’s totally normal to get the jitters.

A few months ago, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue a new opportunity. Surprisingly, this process turned out to be a lot more challenging than I thought! The job I left was my ‘dream job’ – or so I thought. I’m thankful for all of the experiences I had with the company, but I knew it was time to move on and get a fresh start.

After a job search that spanned several months and had many ups and downs, I put in my two weeks and accepted a position with a new company. The transition wasn’t easy, but now that I’ve gone through it, there are a few things I wish I would have told myself throughout the process (that would have made my life a lot easier!). So with that, here are 7 things to remember when going through a career transition.

It’s Normal to Get Cold Feet

When making big life decisions, we weigh the pros and cons of everything. Sometimes, we do this so much that we cloud our own thoughts. If making a career change is one of those decisions for you, remember that it’s normal to get cold feet – aka you feel super nervous about it!

Nerves are totally normal, and just because you might feel uneasy doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision. Yes, it’s important to listen to your gut instinct, but remember to take some of the pressure off of yourself. If you find yourself getting cold feet about the new opportunity, don’t panic. When you find yourself feeling stressed, stop, take a deep breath, and collect your thoughts. Everything is going to work out!

Don’t Doubt Your Abilities

The first day, week, or even months at your new job will inevitably require you to learn new things. This process often comes with trial and error, meaning you might mess up a few times. Don’t expect yourself to master everything all at once!

It’s easy to get intimidated or doubt your abilities, but remember you were hired for a reason! You bring a unique set of talents to the table, and it will just be a matter of time before everything falls into place at your new job. Stay confident and remember what makes you, you. This is when you’ll really shine!

Workplace Relationships Take Time

When you first start a job, everything is new. Everything. From your day-to-day tasks to the coworkers you sit by, there will be a lot of firsts.

In the beginning, you’re probably going to be focused on learning expectations and figuring out how to find your way around the building versus chatting it up with your new coworkers. Good things take time, and as you warm up to your surroundings, you’ll also get comfortable with your coworkers. The more time you spend at the job, the more you’ll get used to the company culture and have the chance to get to know the people you work with.

If your company has happy hours or other activities outside of work, try to make an effort to go. This shows that you want to get to know everyone and become part of the team! Before you know it, you’ll be introducing yourself to the next new employee and welcoming them.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Everyone at your company was new once! When you first start, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. This will only speed up the process of getting adjusted to your new surroundings! It will also give you the opportunity to build relationships with your coworkers.

If you don’t know where the conference room is, ask. If you forget someone’s name, ask. If you’re not sure what a certain term that’s being thrown around in your meeting means, ask. Not only will this get you up to speed, but it will also show that you care about your work.

Give it Time to Unfold

Throughout the job transition process, try to keep a positive outlook. It may have its ups and downs, but remember, patience is key. Just because your first day was incredibly stressful doesn’t mean the job will be. Give yourself, and the opportunity, time to unfold. One day, you will probably look back and be glad you did!

Take It Easy on Yourself

Last but not least, take it easy on yourself. Know that you’re not going to be perfect. You’re going to mess up, and that’s perfectly normal! Work to maintain a work-life balance and incorporate things you love into your routine. Maybe plan dinner with a friend a night after work or take a day trip over the weekend to reset your mind. This process can be draining, but remember it will get better. Self-care is key during this time!

Think of your new job as an exciting step in your career path. No matter what happens, you will learn from this opportunity and only become better. Keep an open mind and stay optimistic about the future. Big things are ahead!

What tips do you have for going through a career transition? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!