Lost in Transition?

Daydreaming about a drastic career change, considering entrepreneurship or struggling to get back on your feet after a job loss? Any of these combined with an unsteady economy can result in feeling “lost in transition” and unsure about taking that next step.

“Our country is in a tailspin at the moment when it comes to reviving the economy,” says Lynn Sarkany, college professor and founder of Entrepreneurs Professionals.

“[The job market] is unfortunately a survival game, and it’s easy to ‘get lost in the swift and deep current’ and to feel overwhelmed,” she adds.

Sarkany says those who get back on track “have a well-defined goal as to what they want their new job to look like” and appeal to potential employers by explaining how hiring them fits into the company’s bottom line.

McIntosh Staffing offers transitioning tips, from how to rid your resume of “fluff phrases” to making the best first impression at a new job. And Everyday Health tells how you can spend this transitioning time volunteering while you await further opportunities, which will help “differentiate you from other job applicants,” according to Sarkany.

Others who have transitioned successfully found it vital to “re-purpose” skills and come up with specific, unique talents to bring to a new company. Switching out online databases for face-to-face networking is often more beneficial.

No matter how you spend this transition time, Sarkany recommends staying “as positive as possible.”

Bonus PINK Link: Now that your job is back on track, here’s how to get your finances on track too.

By Brittani Banks

“Confusion is the hallmark of a transition.” Anne Grant