Managing Job Transition: Mastering the Art of Self Renewal

Managing Job Transition: Mastering the Art of Self Renewal

By: Judy McKenna, Family Resource Management Extension Specialist

Colorado has been hit hard economically. Jobs have been lost and fewer new jobs have been created. Since the end of 2000 Colorado had a net job loss of almost 80,000 jobs, which at 3.5 percent was more than three times the national job loss average of 1.1 percent (Center for Business and Economic Forecasting, November 15, 2002). 2002 reported a net job loss of 50,000 jobs in Colorado, which is the highest loss since records have been collected. The state unemployment rate doubled and county unemployment claims range from a low of .9 to 9.7, showing great disparity in terms of how specific areas have been affected (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, October 2002).

These hard statistics translate into significant life changes for the thousands of individuals and their families who have lost their jobs and sources of income. Companies often overlook the physical stress and mental pain employees experience when they learn their jobs are ending. As people live with these changes, their experiences follow the model of loss and grief. They move through the stages of relief, shock, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, panic, depression, and resignation. When they reach the stage of acceptance, they begin to gain confidence and move toward self renewal. They can then begin to rebuild and look at the future as one filled with opportunities.

As people struggle through these stages, they are laying the groundwork and preparing for new meaning in their lives. The steps that individuals can follow to refocus their futures include 1. deepening self-understanding, 2. focusing on productive relationships, and 3. taking action to get what they need. Then they begin to consider new and often more rewarding jobs (Barger & Kirby, 1997).

1. Understanding Yourself.

   According to Marlowe Embree (October 2000), there are four general types of people defined by personal characteristics. Each type wants to gravitate toward work that fulfills their desires and motivations. It is not uncommon, however, for someone to take a job because they need a paycheck and never pursue work that is fulfilling. Job transition is a time to take stock and follow one's passion. One way that individuals can increase their effectiveness is through understanding their personal skills and abilities. Which of the following work types best describes you?

   1. Action

      If you are this type of person, you are experiential, action-oriented and focused on the present. You look for concrete facts and details to put to immediate use and are stimulated by variety and activity. People would describe you as a practical problem solver.

   2. Variety

      You like to seek opportunities where no one has gone before and MUST have variety. Routine is anathema. New problems and new information are stimulating. People would describe you as resourceful, flexible, innovative and energetic.

   3. Organized

      You are good at planning and time management and as often in charge of implementing long-range goals. Because you are orderly and decisive, you are often found creating schedules and systems to achieve tasks. People would describe you as reliable, loyal, and organized

   4. Collegial

      Your warmth and connectedness are important in group planning sessions and you are good at establishing and maintaining positive relationships. Your work is focused on organizing the work environment to meet the needs of coworkers. You are a natural at finding solutions that benefit people. People would describe you as a natural networker.

2. Focusing on Productive Relationships

   Work in the 21st century according to Barger and Kirby (1995) will be based on explicit, short-term, specific job contracts. Teams will form and reform to bid on projects. Learning how to sell one's talents and to utilize the talents of coworkers in team efforts will be critical skills in the new world of work?

   In the Challenge of Change in Organizations, Barger and Kirby (1995) describe the qualities that were needed and developed as the pioneers made the difficult and challenging journey of more than 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon. The wagon trains that were the most successful "had strong working relationships among the people on the wagon train. These trains pulled together, helped each other, shared scarce resources, and supported each other when difficulties arose. Under what were at times very adverse conditions, they formed partnerships and support groups" (p. 132).

   Teamwork efforts do not negate the special and individual strengths and qualities that each person has to offer a team. Instead we recognize the interconnectedness of each person's purpose and energy that results in excellent production. Productivity is enhanced when workers are respected, valued, and want to give 100 percent of their effort.

3. Taking Action to Get What You Need: Strategies for Work Search and Job Renewal for Each Type

   Embree (2000) summarizes the steps that employees in job transition will find useful to reach enjoyable, productive and rewarding work opportunities.

   1. Action

      Consider long-range effects and implications of career choices. Ask -- What do I want to be doing five years from now, and what must I do starting today to get there?

      Learn to sell yourself. Present your strengths to potential employers. Expand on your experiences, give examples, and talk about what you have achieved in the past that will be critical at the new junction in your professional development.

      Consider more than salary when negotiating for a new position. Think about professional development, job flexibility and work satisfaction.

      Think ahead and ask yourself: What choices do I need to make to increase the probability of getting my next job? What do I need to do to be ready?

   2. Variety

      Outline small steps you can take that will lead you to possible job interviews. Focus on today and this week rather than generating great ideas that have no possibility of being implemented.

      Sell yourself by speaking in straight lines, finishing your sentences, giving examples and not just global concepts.

      Keep in mind that salary does matter. Everyone wants a job they love but at the same time they have to eat, make house payments and save for retirement.

      Learn to focus on projects with a short time frame. Team up with someone who has this skill if you find it very difficult. Get in the habit of generating tangible progress.

   3. Organized

      Find out about the needs and impacts of a work decision on people important to you. Practice listening to opposing viewpoints rather than imposing your solution on others without first hearing them out.

      Sell yourself by showing enthusiasm for a job that you want. Practice being friendly, remembering people's names and offer appreciation and thanks.

      Negotiate for the job with finesse. Don't stick to your position to the point that you alienate the new employer and lose any chance to gain the job opportunity.

      Build relationships and maintain networking coalitions by helping others, especially your boss, look good. Get in the habit of doing uncompensated good for others on the assumption that people will remember.

   4. Collegial

      Analyze what you want in work and carefully weight your decisions so that you are pleasing yourself instead of pleasing others at your expense.

      Sell yourself by building a logical case for why someone should hire you. Maintain a logical structure with a clear beginning, middle and end.

      Remember that you have the right to expect reasonable compensation and don't be too nice. Treat the negotiation process as a game.

      Build and maintain a file of your accomplishments. Don't be afraid to take credit for yourself while you are giving credit to others. Remember to blow your own horn from time to time. Develop ways to be your own marketing agent.

Keep in mind that you will be more productive and enjoy work more if you can find a job where you:

• have the opportunity to do what you do best;
• have the sense that someone cares about you;
• know what is expected of you;
• get recognition for what you do;
• have an opportunity to learn and grow; and
• are productive by having benchmarks and goals that can be accomplished every day (Barger & Kirby, 1995)

Just as businesses may exclude employees from making decisions that impact them, individuals often exclude other family members as they consider new work and life choices. Keep family members in the loop. Keep them directly involved in making decisions; they are very much affected by the end results and they can be helpful in expanding the options that can be considered. Keep surprises to a minimum.

Times of change and uncertainty are stressful for most people. Give yourself ample time to work through the stages of grief and loss and then find that perfect job - the one that you like so much you tell people you would pay just to be able to do it every day.