Career transition (again): it’s just a matter of time – is my theme song. No matter how well things are going, something happens, something changes, new leadership comes in, top leadership or the Board wants a change, cost cutting measures need to be implemented, an LOB needs to be phased out, etc., etc., etc.
What a difference it would represent for me if I received calls and emails from former clients and they told me that all is well. (Well, they do call and we have coffee, breakfast or lunch and celebrate NORMAL.)
Unfortunately, a large percentage of former clients only reach out to me when they are in career transition – again. When I accept a new transition client, I deliver the same admonishment at the beginning, throughout and at the end of our engagement:
Whatever happens, be prepared for at least five- to-seven transitions before retirement (and quite possibly, a couple of transitions while in retirement)!
But the sheer relief they feel at securing their next role, and in some cases, the vindication they feel (because they were right and their former boss was wrong and they found another {better} role), typically prevents them from hearing this prediction.
To be ready for whatever fair winds or ill winds may elevate or impede your career, you must come to terms with the fact that you are always in transition. Here are the “What If I Were Fired Tomorrow?” steps that I recommend my clients implement to be ready for multiple transitions:
What If I Were Fired Tomorrow? Readiness Plan (click to view illustration)
I hope you will implement the above recommendations before you find yourself in career transition (again): it's just a matter of time.
© All rights reserved.
