[tweetthis]Top 10 Ways to Cope with Job Transition[/tweetthis]

While our life purpose is not always about our work, most people who come to me are looking for their work to be more fulfilling.  This might mean making some tweaks right where you are, or it may mean going in a new direction. Job transitions can be stressful—whether they’re due to moving into a new job that you’re excited about, a layoff, or working extra hours because others workers were laid off. If you’re facing one, consider the following.

1. Take an honest look at yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses, skills? How did those influence—positively or negatively—your transition? If you are choosing your transition into new employment, keep those positive aspects in mind as you adjust to the new situation.  If the move was due to unexpected circumstances outside of yourself, self-reflection at this point is essential to deciding your next moves.

2. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally taxing. You need self-care now more than ever. Even a positive change can be stressful while making the transition into new territory. Eat well, keep up or start an exercise routine and get enough rest.  Take a long, relaxing soak in the tub and, most importantly, love yourself.

3. Engage your curiosity. What went wrong, or right? What could you have done better? What worked really well? Step back from the situation and be an impartial, curious observer and you will discover important insights.

4. Focus on what you want, and less on what you don’t want. Keep your eye on the prize. Since we attract what we focus our attention on, it’s important to deliberately direct your thoughts and engage your imagination on what you want to create as your next opportunity.

5. Find support. Since your transition affects your family as well, it may be helpful to seek the outside support of friends or professionals.  Be sure the support you receive is about positive change, not re-hashing negative experiences.

6. Work on your thoughts. Calm your fears and reinforce your sense of hope and happiness.  Now is a good time to practice deep relaxing breaths.  Change can be a good thing.  Several years ago when my husband lost his job we were angry and upset.  But then we realized it as the opportunity he had been seeking to go full time into his own business.  He is so much happier and at ease now!  How could this be an opportunity for you to move into something you truly love, whether your own business or another career path? Something wonderful could be just around the corner.

7. Reassure (or avoid) those who are threatened by, or jealous of, the change.

8. Create your own rite of passage. Ceremony and ritual help with all transitions.  Rituals can provide a sense of renewal and create a sacred space in which to heal and set intentions.  Rituals that mark major transitional turning points help us to get perspective and see the interconnectedness of events that might otherwise escape our attention.

9. Let go of how things were “supposed to be” and accept “how things are.” Find appreciation for what is. Make a list of the positive aspects in your life.  Even if you think there aren’t any, if you look for them, you’ll find them.

10. Keep things in perspective. Or try on a new perspective. Don’t get stuck. Remember, the only constant is change.

Have you survived a job transition?  Feel free to share what did and didn’t work for you in the comments below!