Quite a few of our clients have received offers and landed better jobs recently, which is genuinely good news in a market that hasn’t offered much of it.
But now they’re in the transition period, and that’s where the nerves start.
It’s scary because of three things: The Resignation (and sometimes the counteroffer), The Awkward Notice Period (some colleagues might be happy for you, others not so much, pleasant or unpleasant farewells, who and when to tell) and The Onboarding at the new place.
So many things run through your mind:
- What if my resignation causes ill feelings?
- What if my boss reacts badly?
- What if I made a mistake?
- What if I can’t deliver?
- What if the culture’s a bad fit?
- What if I don’t like it there?
- What if I regret leaving?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Change brings uncertainty. And uncertainty gives fuel to the “What If” machine.
Here are some of the most common ones.
1. What if it’s hard?
We know it probably won’t be entirely smooth sailing, so expect challenges.
You’re not afraid of hard work. You’ve done tougher things in the past. Do make sure to speak to your loved ones so they can support you.
Put some plans in place, ask for materials you can peruse before you start, and speak to your mentors to help you prep.
2. What if you don’t fit in?
Cultural alignment isn’t about luck. You have met your new employers, you have done your research, and before signing the offer letter, done your own background checks.
You have reached out to your network (maybe even met some ex-employees) so you have a realistic preview of the culture.
And when you start work, ask questions, observe and adapt. Make sure you have your own onboarding plans ready.
3. What if you regret it?
This is a normal reaction when you’re leaving because it is a goodbye.
If you’ve had many years with the company, you will feel some emotional attachment or a sense of loss.
That’s completely normal. While you should honour what you’re walking away from, do adjust your lenses to focus on the future. Better things are around the corner.
My observation with our clients though, is that they are mostly quite happy to leave the organisation (some even feel relief!) and to start their next chapter. But as we all know, please do not burn any bridges!
4. What if you’re not good enough?
Well, they picked you for a reason! Instead of fighting the “What Ifs”, try responding with other questions like:
- What if this turns out better than I imagined?
- What if this is exactly the stretch I need?
- What if this is the beginning of something great?
Transitions are messy. But they also carry possibility.
Don’t let the “What Ifs” talk you out of moving forward.
5. What if it all falls apart? Have a Plan B!
Sometimes, in order to settle the anxiety, it helps to have a Plan B, or C or D.
With so much uncertainty and volatility, it helps to have your backups in place, and as Eric Ries of The Lean Startup philosophy suggests, to ‘fail fast’ so you can learn quickly and course-correct.
If you are changing roles, and are unsure about navigating the bumpiness, do reach out to us at info@careeragility.org. Onboarding also requires a strategy and we’re here to help!
Here’s to your Career!
Yen
