14th June, 2025
I have the greatest empathy towards people who are going through forced change – not just work situations but anywhere in life where a decision has been made that heavily impacts them.
It’s just brutal at times and the instant hit to our own sense of self is evident. We don’t have control over its effect on us in that moment and we feel it in our gut, our mind and our heart.
Who we were just prior to that decision was someone credible, influential and secure. But aren’t we still that person we worked so hard to build? Surely one moment can’t really strip that away from us?
Once we get past the cold, hard shock then we can begin to understand what has just happened and stop any further intrusive ideas forming and taking priority in our thoughts.
My experiences working with thousands who have gone through this reality-inducing process has shown me people are resilient, they can adapt and most importantly, they can evolve in times of personal change.
What Learning Opportunities Lie Ahead?
If I collate the feedback I’ve received over decades as a recruiter, there’s a few stand-out lessons on offer for anyone going through this…
- Self-Worth & Identity is personal and it’s nothing to do with your job title, your job status or your job search. Who you have built up inside you is as much due to the people in your family, social circles and other non-work environments. Paying attention to those important parts of your life as you face the unknown will help you retain your sense of self amid a journey of uncertainty.
- Never stop, even if you think you’re onto a winner. Momentum should be maintained until a contract of employment has been signed. Nobody really knows what else is happening behind the scenes or who else you’re competing with for that job. So don’t leave it to chance, keep turning over opportunities and keep networking until you have your next role set in stone.
- Share your journey, share the burden of emotion and seek support. It’s a time like no other when so many feelings and thoughts and emotions swirl around our mind. They can quickly weigh us down and keep us from making consistent progress and brave decisions. Find a trusted confidant (friend, family member, colleague) who is happy to be a sounding board, an outlet and someone to help you make sense of the frustrations.
100% there will be unexpected bumps ahead that make you question your own sanity during a job search, but a little foresight and planning can really help you stay focused when the unexpected occurs.