Aurora Donnelly is a solo practitioner always looking forward to the next exciting transition.
I have to work on my attitude fairly regularly. Being in transition definitely has two sides. The exciting part is an adventure, learning new things (exploratory interviews, maybe taking classes to learn a new skill), meeting new people (lots of networking), looking forward to finding work that is, more often than not, rewarding and satisfying.
There is some satisfaction in learning the new “transitioning” skills, even, honing your resume, coming up with a perfect “elevator statement,” realizing that you know a lot about your chosen field or your particular area of practice, that there are many smart and accomplished people in the same situation as you.
The flip side of the adventure is the uncertainty: when will the transition come to a happy end? Who, of all the people you are meeting, will be the conduit to your new, improved professional life? Will you be improving your professional life or will you have to settle for something that’s not exactly what you wanted? If your time in transition lasts more than a couple of months, your concern over these questions can weigh on you, and can work on your confidence, not in a good way.
Some days I find it difficult to continue my search for the new career or the new job and I want to read a book or take a nap or talk to a friend instead. And I let myself have breaks, but I set a day or a time when I will take the next step, make the next call or answer that job ad. Having a weekly schedule helps. On Friday or Sunday, or Monday morning, whatever day works best for you, make a schedule of activities that will further your career transition: so many contacts this week, answer letters, send thank you notes, get that book a networking source recommended, etc.
When you have a day where the tasks seem too much or you are getting tired, take a break, but then pick up your schedule and work it again, and make sure you accomplish most of it in the time you allocated. You will feel much better and you’ll have a road map when you get your motivation back. And, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you meet your weekly goals.
How often in your life do you get the chance to sit back, spend time thinking about yourself and your life, to set your own schedule and think about things that matter to you?
In future writings I’ll talk about specifics, how-to’s and why’s, but for this week capture this special time for yourself. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Be joyful, embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride.
Congratulations to my blogging predecessor, Dana Hill, on her newfound career, and thanks to her for sharing her transition stories with us. Hers is an inspiring story of success in making this career transition.
Attorneys in Transition Event on May 8, 2009
