5 Top Questions to Master Workplace Transitions

Successful people don’t anticipate that the world will ever return to the days when they could count on a company, the government, or any other person to take care of them throughout their lives. Self-reliance, career and otherwise, is not a trend—it’s a reality, and an opportunity.   

That sounds straight forward, but for some people, it’s easier to put their head in the sand and hope for the best, rather than to take stock once in a while. Take for instance a woman named Nancy whom I met at a conference who came up to my after my presentation on finding a personal definition of success. She said that she thought her position in her company would never be jeopardized because it involved procurement of the materials needed for production. What Nancy hadn't counted on was the possibility of the company outsourcing the work, and thus eliminating not only her position, but her entire division. She laughed at her nearsightedness, and I could see her attitude was going to pull her through.  

Nancy said she had come to the conference to network, not just to find a job, but to find out what other jobs are available in the current market and what they entail. She also wanted to learn what words she might use to describe her skills in “today’s terminology.” Here was a woman determined to master her workplace transition. 

Nancy and I talked about what the successful people I’ve interviewed have found helpful in transition. We also discussed what career counselors and business coaches stress as important the most questions to answer about your wants and needs; your skills, interests, and your values; as well as the business climate in the industry that interests you.  

The following questions lead to successful workplace transitions:  

1. How would you articulate the skills you have to offer and what value you add in compelling business terms?

2. Can you describe what you want? Write down your goals and aspirations. (Writing them down is a highly effective tool, so don’t skip this suggestion.) Ask yourself how well your current work situation is meeting them. Describing what you want begins with inspiration , and moves to a concrete plan. Being able to describe what you want, whether it’s your own business or a position you seek, is the first step in being able to make it happen.

3. What changes in the job market are affecting your line of work? Do you know what the companies in your filed of interest are actively looking for in employees? What corporate structure do you think would be most appealing to you? Do you work best when self-directed, or do you prefer more interaction? What kind of company culture ?

4. Have you thought out what you will need financially in your life in the next six months? In one year? Write out a time line starting with the present, and include all the factors—marriage, children, housing, education—that have an impact on your life. If you have children, include their requirements on your time, as well as financial needs like daycare, hobbies, and college tuition. Note job requirements such as travel, overtime, and take-home projects; include personal elements like vacation, recreation, and entertainment. Do the same exercise in five- and ten-year increments. This helps you assess where you are now and what issues you need to consider in the future.

5. In what ways are you focused on your efforts? Do you know where to get support and advice to keep you focused?

Have fun with this,

Pam

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