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Career Transition Truths for Women
I am writing a book about my career transition, which started in 2006 and is still unfolding and developing. Through this reflective process, I am seeing so clearly that transition is always in motion even if you are in the same industry and company for a long time.
If you are a woman managing and juggling all of the things that women are responsible for, you see that transition, and the transitioning process, is pretty much a daily occurrence.
Constant Change All Around Us
When things outside of us change, we are changing too. Most times we are not even aware of it, unless it is some tumultuous turn of events. I can remember being on such a high ride 1985-2000, while in broadcast radio. It was the best of times for business and our industry. It was fun, it worked for customers and clients, and we all made money.
Subtly, things started to transition and change internally and externally: commissions were reduced, procedures were changed, budgets and staffs were cut back, management became more conservative, the economy slowed, technology changed, and so on. They affected all of us, but we trudged on.
Transition to where it was going was already in motion. So, why don’t we pay more attention to these early signs and shifts? Too busy? Inertia? Fear? Complacency?
I could feel the “winds of change” pick up. Gusts of wind started blowing through our company. I was caught in the draft. After 20 plus years in media and 9 at the same company, I sensed impending big change. I wanted to ignore it, but it was hard to ignore the “cheese was moving.”
Women have such a strong sense of "intuition" that can be so useful and effective in transitioning.
I have learned to pay attention to, and trust, that intuition. When I announced I was leaving in 2006, people told me I was "out of my mind." I smiled and said "Maybe, but it’s going to change anyway." It did, big time.
The Truths
In looking back on my transition so far, I have learned 4 truths that have helped me keep the faith and keep going.
- Vision: It’s never too late to transition.
- Courage: Don’t be afraid of change.
- Self esteem: Believe in who you are and the value of what you do.
- Perseverance: Set yourself up to be successful by doing whatever it takes.
Think back, what are some of the things that as a woman you have learned during your transitions?
Bottom Line:
We are always transitioning, even when we are stable. Learning to Flow and Grow with, and during, transition and making good things come out of it is a highly valued skill these days, especially for women!
© Copyright Deborah Shane, 2010. All rights reserved. Used With Permission
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About This Author:
Job Search for Women Expert Deborah Shane is founder and Chief Motivator, Educator and Catalyst at Train With Shane, which delivers business education and professional development through speaking, events and training in the career, sales, social marketing, and motivation fields. Reach Deborah through TrainWithShane.com, her blog deborahshanetoolbox.com on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn at Deborah Shane, and at Blogtalkradio.com/trainwithshane.
