(Brian Formato leads Groove Management, a Charlotte-based human capital consulting firm that provides executive coaching and leadership development.)
Over the past few weeks I have met several people in Charlotte who are in “career transition.” A nice way for saying they lost their jobs.
I get it. Job loss is not easy and in the case of each of the individuals I met, it was through no fault of their own.
Companies and their needs evolve, they get acquired, they move their offices, they shift their business models and all too often their employees end up as casualties. Career transition is nothing to be ashamed of. It has become incredibly commonplace.
The hardest question for someone in career transition to answer is, “What’s next?”
The number of choices can be overwhelming. I recently ran a workshop for a company that provides outplacement. Their business model is focused on helping individuals manage through transition. During our meeting one of their executives defined what they do as “disaster recovery.” That did not sit well with me. It seemed overly harsh and dire. I do not see job loss as a disaster, rather I see it as an opportunity. A chance at a fresh start.
The challenge is to see the opportunity in job loss.
With bills to pay and one’s identity so closely tied to what they do, job loss can cause people to make quick and rash decisions.
I asked each of the people I met that are in career transition the same question: “Describe to me your dream job.” To my surprise and disappointment none of the people could clearly articulate what they would want as a dream job.
They gave me answers about finding a job that sounded similar to the ones they just left.
When faced with career transition people tend to gravitate to things in their comfort zone rather than seeing it as a liberating opportunity to try something new.
Here are five pieces of advice to help through career transition.
(1) There is no shame in being in transition. Get over it quickly and realize that you are not alone. The more people you can tell that you are looking for a job the more likely you are to find a new and better one.
Your network is your most valuable job hunting tool. Leverage it as much as possible. In fact, change your LinkedIn profile title to “Job Seeker.” Get out there and be visible. Charlotte offers an amazing number of networking opportunities daily. Go to events and force yourself to meet new people. Consider joining a coworking space like Advent or Hygge. This will expose you to new people and force you out of the house daily.
(2) Awareness unlocks potential. Take time to reflect on your passions, the times you have been happiest at work and what you would do for work if you could be driven by your passion rather than income. Focus on finding a job that plays to your strengths.
Sharpening your toolset is important in the ever evolving world of work. Consider attending a SkillPop class or joining any number of MeetUp groups around Charlotte.
Photo via Skillpop
(3) Do not chase job titles and higher rungs on the corporate ladder. Panthers coach Ron Rivera was recently asked about the time he took a lower level job in San Diego where he got to work under Norv Turner. Ron said, “Every now and then you need to take a step back. It gives you a chance to refocus and to re-evaluate.”
Having a mentor like Norv Turner came at the right time in Ron’s development and he attributes that step back and that experience to his success today as a head coach. It was really about learning. Rather than looking specifically for a job, look for greater meaning in your life and you will open your eyes to new possibilities.
(4) Healthy mind and healthy body. When in transition it is important to establish daily routines. Make a schedule and adhere to it. For instance, if you go to work out at the Dowd Y, don’t work out during office hours. Work out either early mornings, evenings or at lunch time. These are the times that other office workers will be in the gym.
The gym can be a great networking venue, but not at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Eating healthy and staying physically active will improve your state of mind and give you extra energy for your job search.
Photo via Dowd YMCA staff
(5) Don’t settle on the first opportunity that comes your way. Finding the right next job takes time. It is important that you weigh your options and make certain that your next move is the right move. While financial pressures can mount, taking the wrong job can be a big mistake.
The quote that comes to mind when I coach people through career transition is, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The experience of career transition, while it can be humbling, more often than not leads people to better opportunities than the job they left.
With the amount of mergers and acquisitions activity impacting companies in the Charlotte market this year, there are bound to be many people in career transition. As friends and neighbors, support those going through career transition and help them to see the opportunity in their situations.
Oh, and of course, check out the Axios Charlotte job board daily for great opportunities.
