# Responses to Change

It's important to understand why people want a career change. If you understand the reasons behind your behaviour it can help you overcome barriers to you moving forward. Do you really need a change? Are you really unhappy in your career or is it your boss you find difficult? Would a change of role help?

### Signs you need a change

Maybe you feel happy that you have achieved what you wanted to with the current employer or in the current career or role and it is time for new challenges. Or maybe you are feeling dissatisfied and thinking of reasons not to go to work today... Your job may not be the reason for you feeling discontented at work. Before you embark on a job search think about what is actually happening to you and why you are feeling unhappy.

### Making a change

If you have decided to make a career change, this is a good time to do some self evaluation. Think about what job suits your personality, interests, aspirations, values and sense of direction. Instead of making a complete career change perhaps doing volunteer work that fits with your values would fulfill your needs. You could retrain or study in either the field within which you work or want to work, or in a field of interest. You could do night classes in cuisine.

### What's in the way?

Thought without action is not a path forward. If you want to make changes you have to follow thought with action. So what's in the way?

Fear is a major de-motivator and deterrent to action. Maybe you feel insecure about the future or lack the self esteem to make bold decisions. You might fear a loss of income or status or not be prepared to travel a bit further to work. You may doubt your abilities or your worth. Think about what will help you to be stronger - more information, friends or professional help.

#### Emotional responses to change

Sometimes it is difficult to deal with all the emotions caused by change and this can be stressful. Your feelings can range from mild discomfort to extreme distress. You may experience mourning and grief for the job, colleagues or 'you' that was. At times you may feel excited about the prospects but also confused and unsure. You might feel pushed out of your job and this can cause anger and resentment. It is important to feel supported and you may have to ask for help by explaining how you feel.

#### Getting stuck and not knowing a way out

Perhaps you know you are not very happy at work but have no idea what else you can do. Sometimes we think we are too old or under-qualified to start again at something new. But if you don't try, you won't get there. Some research into what choices you have and what's out there helps.

#### Being worse off

What if getting a new job means you will lose your superannuation or have to travel further. Maybe you will lose some job perks like staff discounts, company car, health insurance, cheap car parking, or close access to the railway station. Work out your budget and calculate which benefits you can trade. Maybe you can afford to make a lifestyle choice of working less hours and less travel for less money. Perhaps your employer may want to invest in your future by paying for your professional development.

If you are considering changing towns or countries compare the cost of living in your new location. The salary may be the same but is the cost of living more expensive? Will your partner still get work? What will the kids' schooling cost? How much does accommodation cost? What will it cost to move?

#### Going down the ladder instead of up

Sometimes when we change careers we may need to take a lower position with less responsibility until we get established within the organisation. This may mean we have to redefine ourselves. This is worth the sacrifice because we will learn more skills in the new job and that makes us more desirable in the job market.

#### Lack of current knowledge about the job market

If you are a school leaver or you haven't had to look for a job for a while, the thought of job hunting can be scary. It's that fear of the unknown again.....

### Managing change

When you think about the stress associated with changing jobs, also remember to think about the new environments you can explore, the new colleagues you will meet and learn from, and the new skills you will learn. This will help you to manage the changes ahead.

You will choose to take on some changes, but others will be forced on you. This can make you angry, resentful or depressed and you may even have times of regretting your decision. Managing these emotions, accepting the situation and adjusting to the changes is the key to your future. Take positive thoughts into your new space.

#### Coping strategies

Try to avoid other stressful situations when your stress load is already high. You don't want to become addicted to stress and generating more stress for the emotional high. It is important to look after your health during this time. Eat healthily - feed your body and your mind and exercise daily. Get other people involved - ask them for support or just to do things that distract you like going to the movies or out for dinner. Take some time to get away from it all - go for walks and, if you can, take a holiday between jobs.

This is an excellent time to have another look at yourself and your life as change in one area will often affect other areas of your life. Take the opportunity to review and reorganise your life and develop areas of yourself that you haven't explored yet.

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