Overwhelmed? Manage Career Transitions with Greater Confidence
Change is an inevitable part of any career journey. Whether you’re stepping into a promotion, leaping into a new industry, being impacted by a layoff, pausing to prioritize family, returning to school, or planning for retirement, transitions often bring a mix of both excitement – and also anxiety.
If you’ve ever felt anxious or disoriented by change, you’re not alone. The key isn’t to avoid it, but to navigate it with clarity and confidence. One framework that continues to help both individuals and organizations manage change effectively is William Bridges’ Transition Model, which breaks major shifts into three distinct phases:
Endings, the Neutral Zone, and New Beginnings.
Let’s unpack each stage and explore how to move through them with resilience and purpose.
1. Recognize and Accept Endings
Every transition starts with something ending. Maybe you’re saying goodbye to a role you loved, a workplace culture that felt like home, or even the identity tied to your professional title.
It’s okay to grieve what you’re leaving behind. Allow yourself to acknowledge the loss; it’s not a sign of weakness - it’s wisdom. Healthy transitions begin with acceptance, because it’s difficult to move forward until you’ve begun to let go of what’s behind you.
2. Embrace the Neutral Zone
This middle space – or the “in-between” - can feel like limbo or no-man’s land. You’ve left something behind, but you’re not quite sure what comes next. It’s the time when routines feel unsettled, and self-doubt can creep in.
But here’s the power of the Neutral Zone: It’s where growth happens. Use this pause to reflect, explore new possibilities, and reconnect with your interests and values. Experiment, take small steps, and remind yourself that uncertainty doesn’t mean failure - it’s part of the recalibration process.
3. Welcome the New Beginning
As time passes, you’ll notice signs that you’re ready for what’s next: Renewed energy, curiosity, or optimism. This is what it feels like to enter the New Beginning phase.
Lean into this momentum. Set small goals, celebrate progress, and start building your new normal. Even small wins can help build your confidence and help you feel greater stability with your new direction.
4. Check In with Yourself
Transitions aren’t linear; in fact, you may move in and out between the three stages. Regular self-reflection helps you recognize which phase you’re in, so you can respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Ask yourself: Am I holding onto something that’s ending? Am I in the messy middle, searching for clarity? Or am I ready to build something new? Awareness is half the battle and can act as your compass for what to focus on next.
5. Seek Support When You Need It
Some career transitions feel too heavy to navigate alone. Whether it’s leaning on a trusted friend, a mentor, or a career coach, support can provide perspective, encouragement and a sounding board when you need it most.
Remember, change doesn’t always need to be rushed. Move through the change navigation process at a pace that feels authentic to you and meets your specific needs.
If you’re navigating a career transition and want help applying the Bridges Transition Model to your own experience or you simply need a trusted space to find clarity, let’s connect so that working together, you can turn change into opportunity.