In the process of coaching people in life transitions, career change or retirement, I’ve noticed that some find themselves under tremendous pressure from people around them. I recall in particular, three months ago, a man (whom I’ll call Paul) in a managerial position who was laid off with an extensive period of paid salary ahead of himself.
Within the first couple of months that we worked together, he had to first give himself permission to take the time to do the following: come to terms with his loss, re-orient himself in the transition, research and evaluate his options. All this while he was in the active process of being coached to gain great clarity about what he really wanted, what would inspire him at this particular point in his life. He also needed to reassess his values and determine which ones he yearned to better align himself with and attract in his next ideal workplace culture. Additionally, Paul realized he needed to develop better daily habits to keep his body fit and to grow a success oriented mindset.
But while Paul was occupied with all of this work, which required the necessary time and mental space, some of his friends were getting anxious on his behalf. Reacting out of fear, they thought he should just hurry up and quickly get another job, maybe even any job that was vaguely similar to what he did and earned before. They did not realize the importance of the inner work that Paul so needed to get off the hectic treadmill of work for an appropriate time, to become poised, centered and better positioned within himself. From that stance, he would be so much better disposed to step into an exciting position that would be a good match to all of who he is, could become and do.
Although Paul considered self-employment for a short-time, he came to realize that he loves the work he was doing in his area of expertise and he is now getting ready to secure another position that will be even better than the one he lost. Armed with the greater clarity he acquired about his true worth, his values, his abilities and the unique contributions he can make to a workplace, he is now moving forward with his discerning criteria and irresistible confidence. Recruitment agencies are beginning to seek him out as he is ready to engage, contribute and deliver his best competencies in a great workplace.
If you are in a career transition or contemplating a change while working at a place that offers good extended benefits, you may be fortunate to find that my coaching services can be mostly covered by some benefit plans. This is because in addition to being formally trained and accredited as a coach by the International Coach Federation, I have maintained my registration as a Social Worker from my past education and occupation of 10 years ago.
