Navigating a Career Transition During the Holidays
Navigating a Career Transition During the Holidays
Decking the halls? Eggnogs and social gatherings? Gifts and merry-making?
Yes, the holidays can be all those things, but for some of us, they can also be stressful, emotionally charged and mentally draining.
A 2021 survey from Maru/Blue and the Canadian Mental Health Association found that for 52% of respondents, the holidays actually had a negative impact on their mental health.
Layer the uncertainty of a career transition on top of the stress of the season, and it’s easy to understand why the holidays can be especially tough when we’re facing a major life change.
So, if you’re in the midst of a transition during the holiday season, we get how difficult it can feel. The Career Transition team at Cenera has put together some advice to help you feel a little more inspired and hopefully a little more optimistic during the holiday season.
Don’t Take It On Alone
In times of stress, it can feel natural to want to isolate ourselves. But what we need most is support. The holidays are a time for visits with family and friends, so take the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you care about.
Holiday parties can also be an excellent opportunity to expand out network. Reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while. Focus on authentic relationship-building and don’t be scared to bring up your job search with them if it feels appropriate-you never know where the conversation could lead.
Feel Your Feelings (they have important information for you!)
In a previous Cenera blog, we discussed mental health and career transitions with Dr. Derrick Shirley, a Registered Psychologist and member of the Cenera Career Transition support team. Derrick spoke about how giving space for our emotions is the number one thing we should do for ourselves when we’re in transition.
So, show yourself some compassion and spend some time reflecting on what you’re feeling. What insights are your emotions providing? How can you use that information productively? Recognize that it may be how you feel now, but it’s not how you will always feel.
Take Control of Your Story
One of the dreaded aspects of dealing with a career transition during the holidays is answering inevitable questions, like, “what have you been up to?”
When questions of this nature arise, it’s important to remember that you are not just a job title.
If sharing news about your career transition feels empowering or healing, do it.
If it doesn’t, focus on sharing the things that you are excited and positive about; maybe you’ve joined a new fitness class, started playing piano again or are volunteering for a great cause. You may be taking some online classes, refining your professional brand, or reconnecting with old colleagues in your extended network. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to take ownership of your story and frame it in the way that feels right for you
Find the Hidden Opportunities
The holidays can also offer lots of opportunities for people who are searching for a job.
For one, it’s a perfect time to step back and take stock of where you are and where you want to go. There’s nothing like a new year for embracing change and following a different path.
If finances are on your mind, the holidays can also be a great time to pick up temporary, seasonal, or consulting work – and there are a lot of opportunities out there. In 2022, seasonal postings are up as much as 40% compared to 2019.
And given that many candidates take a break from their job search during the holiday period, active seekers may have less competition and more opportunities to stand out from the crowd.
Finding and focusing on the possibilities can go a long way toward landing your next role and navigating the transition period, even during the holidays.
Cenera’s Career Transition team has decades of experience helping transitioning employees land their next role. If your organization is considering offering Career Transition support, Cenera is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more.
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