Every Story has an Ending and Every Ending has a New Chapter. Career Transition comes with different stages people go through as they step out of their previous role and start afresh. This transition could be caused by an impetuous change in your life. For example, moving from another country with your spouse, being laid off work or you simply want to step back and find more meaning in your work.
During the Self Reflection stage, while going through your interests, motivation and skills, this could redefining who you are and what you do for work. This self-reflection period could also ultimately lead you in your career transition to an entirely new role.
It is important to note two things:
(1) Career Transition starts with an Ending
(2) Career Transition is a Process
In order to start anew in your career, you get ready to unpack and dismantle the old habits, activities, systems, associations, identity, assumptions and settings that are associated to your previous job / role. Equip yourself with time, space and support system to help you in redefining yourself and your new career.
Reskilling and upskilling could prove to be helpful during your career transition phase. There are a number of free and subsidised online courses provided by Coursera and local Government agencies. In Singapore, Workforce Singapore can provide complimentary career advisory and other career-related services. Short term projects and freelance projects can provide an opportunity to showcase your skills and talent to pivot to a new career.
There is an old Chinese saying, “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still”.