CAREER AND LIFE TRANSITIONS

Gary GruberUncategorizedCAREER AND LIFE TRANSITIONS
March 10 , 2017 /

CAREER AND LIFE TRANSITIONS

Two colleagues mentioned very recently that they were in a transition mode and my response to each was that we are often, almost always, in some form of transition and the big ones are much more challenging. One person is retiring from a distinguished career as an educator, a leader and change agent in public, private and international schools. The other, at age 40, is leaving a ten year commitment to an organization devoted to project and placed based education focused on student-centered learning. Both of these individuals are talented, resourceful, creative and solidly grounded. I have no doubt that both will make successful transitions; nevertheless they have serious questions about how to make these life changes in ways that will be satisfying and enjoyable.

Because I am farther along than either of these folks, they know what I have done in the past decade, some of which has been very rewarding. More time to travel is one enjoyable experience, especially in another culture. This is to say, in part, that it’s important for many of us to keep on learning. Being a lifelong learner requires an active mind, a body in motion and a live spirit. Keep

Many career decisions are also life decisions but not all life decisions have to do with careers, although leaving an active, productive career. and not for another job, is indeed a life decision as it poses the question valid for both categories, “What’s next?” What is next, if you want a systematic analysis, is an assessment of where you are at the moment with relationships, with emotions, with health and life style and with financial resources. The big question is “What do you want to do and why?”

To stay ahead of the curve, you must make a fairly comprehensive assessment before you can create some options to make wise choices. Remember what Yogi Berra said, “It’s very difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.” What you want most for your future deserves thoughtful consideration, perhaps checking out the possible choices with others whose opinions and experience you respect.

Take your time. Making a transition is not flipping a switch. It’s a process like so many things worthwhile and getting from here to there may require several steps, some good planning and design before throwing yourself into forward gear. In an earlier piece I wrote about two kinds of change, planned and unplanned, with the former being more desirable when possible.

Life is a series of transitions. Talk with others who have gone before and learned something they’re willing to share. Finally, when you are planning a change make sure you have access to resources that will make the transition easy, smooth and enjoyable, so that you will come as close as possible to fulfilling your vision, or in other terms, living your dream.

Some questions for your consideration.

  1. What do you see as the biggest challenge in making this transition?
  2. Thus far, what has been the most rewarding experiences you’ve had?
  3. What are you reading currently that you find enjoyable, inspiring or informative?
  4. Who, in your network, is likely to give you support and guidance?
  5. What do you think you might need that you might not have in order to move forward? What would you have to do to get that?
  6. As you look ahead, what appears to be the most exciting prospect?
  7. What do you want to be sure to avoid, if possible?
  8. In your planning, have you created a checklist and a timeline?
  9. When will you know you have made a successful transition?
  10. What question haven’t you asked yourself?

 

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