Changing your career --- super exciting and yet SUPER scary! Due to the ever changing environment of the job market, especially the retail landscape, I have found myself adapting and changing my career a few times in my post collegiate life. Most recently this past October I decided to make another shift in my professional endeavors. And this has been a whole different ball game...
Just to give you a reference on my personal experience: as your title is more substantial in the ranking makes the hop to another chapter in your journey all that more difficult. In the past I have left one entry level position for another and the shift is sometimes seamless. But my most recent shift was at the director level to become a regional director. Now titles are for sure not the easiest of leveling ground between industries but just to give you a gauge. The trickiest part, I left my warm & fuzzy comfort zone of retail marketing and plunged myself into the world of a non-profit.
1. Be Ready
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is very important you are ready to take on a new routine, new co-workers, and an entirely new environment. Make sure to do a thorough self assessment of your life to assure you are ready for change. Be realistic. I am a firm believer that you can do anything you put your mind to, and usually you're stronger than you ever thought. But without knowing your general capabilities you won't be able to push yourself beyond them!
2. Set Boundaries
It's very easy when you are in a new environment to want to prove your worth to your new co-workers. This may very quickly take on working extra long hours that may not necessarily be productive, and may be turn off to your new peers. It is important to be aware of when you need a break and when to push.
3. Keep a Routine
Beginning a new job usually doesn't even allow for you to set a new routine at first. With your first few weeks usually dominated by trainings, and travel you don't even have an idea of what the everyday demands will be. So it is important to keep as much of your routine outside of work as normal as possible and plan what you can. I have been sticking to my glam up weekly organizing, and has kept me on track. Don't forget date nights and family dinners!
Everyday Tip: If you work natural breaks into your routine you will not feel so overwhelmed. The necessity to work longer hours will melt away because you will actually be more productive. I use the :50 Minute rule. I first heard about this from productivity guru Brendon Burchard on Rachel Hollis' Rise Podcast. Basically- set a 50 minute timer and no matter how prolific a thought you think you may be developing when that timer goes off.... walk away. This gives your eyes a break, your mind time to walk away, and gets your body moving. I implemented this early in 2019 and it is apparent the days I forget to start off by setting my timer. I quickly become scatter brained and stretch to find a rhythm, often I find I am not working on the most important things.
4. Eat Well, Move
As the previously mentioned -- your routine will seem totally effed, and it is almost a guarantee that it will be difficult to keep your diet and health in check. One of the easiest ways we begin to co-mingle with our new co-workers are often lunches out or cocktails after work. So when possible, ensure you are planning healthy meals, eating breakfast, and making time to work out. Feeling bloated and stressed doesn't help adjusting to your new work life.
5. Give Yourself Grace
I have gained 15 lbs. Now I know I just said to eat healthy and exercise, but imagine if I hadn't been doing that. I would have gained 30 lbs! It's just the nature of the beast, you may gain or lose weight. You may gain or lose sleep, time, habits.
Give yourself some grace, some time and don't sweat the small stuff. When taking on my new role I decided to cut down on blogging, I dropped some of my deadweight consulting clients, and focused on what I needed to do. Just know that you are doing your best, and you will be living your best life in no time.
~ No matter our path in life, dress fabulous and let's practice some social graces.
Amanda xoxo