Is 2015 a Career Transition Year for You Marla Gottschalk

Is 2015 a Career Transition Year for You Marla Gottschalk People change â€" thats a given. Organizations change. That is also a given. What we desire (or require) from our work lives, evolves right alongside these elements. Although pay and benefits certainly play a role â€" remaining in our current role has much to do with the enjoyment derived from the work we complete. So why is it that so many of us hesitate to make a change, when the fit just isnt there? I often enter peoples lives when they are moving from one career chapter to another. In many cases, this transition can become quite a stressful experience. (But, not for the reasons that you might initially think of.) Ive found that the nuts and bolts of this transition, are often not as challenging as the emotional struggle that occurs beforehand. We clearly fight change, for a multitude of reasons. Transitions are not easy, but we can tackle a change. When you are at the fringe of a new beginning â€" things can appear very, very fuzzy. This creates much trepidation and worry, so a strategy will help. Here is my best advice to help you move through this: Accept the need to move on. We spend a lot of time forcing situations to work, that are ultimately doomed to fail long-term. This will not stop the inevitable. Change is difficult â€" but often worth the trouble. Entertain the notion that you can discover a better option. Set your vision. Determine exactly what you are striving for â€" and offer that vision the respect it deserves, by defining the edges. (Im unhappy is not a call to action.) Do the required research that will offer direction. What is working? What is missing from your work life? What role are you aiming for? What must you do, to move in the right direction? Do something â€" anything. We often dismiss change, because change looks insurmountable. Tackle the process in much smaller steps â€" but start somewhere. For example, begin by completing one action a day to drive you forward. (One call, one conversation, one e-mail, one new network connection.) Not unlike earned interest, your actions will compound daily. Give things time. It is often a shock to realize that your current work life, will become a part of your past. You must offer yourself time to grieve for what has transpired, and develop a positive outlook for the future. Rome wasnt built in a day. Youll tackle the individual elements (where, when, how) as they come. Have hope that the right solution will emerge. Have you successfully changed your career for the better? Share your story (and strategies) here. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, consultant and coach She is the Director of Thought Leadership at Kilberry Leadership Advisors, Toronto.