30 Transitions Change happens

"Involuntary loss is a fact of life today. Being fired TRANSITION STATS is so common that the word has fallen into disuse. What does the picture look like? Outplacement is what it's now called, and Most people are fired on Fridays or Mondays. One- outplacement counseling is one of our new growth third of all laid-off people need more than 3 months industries. As common as it has become, and no to find a new job. Generally, the following rule of matter what it's called, it will still always be one of thumb applies to unemployment: It will take one life's truly traumatic experiences." -CHRISTOPHER KIRKWOOD month of job-hunting for every $10, 000 you want in (Author of Your Services Are No Longer Required) annual (Example: $40,000 salary should take 4 months to find). Today, a typical American worker JOB DISSATISFACTION will work for 10 different companies, keep each job Sometimes your progress, growth and for about 4 years, and actually change 3 satisfaction are impeded by factors over which times before . Every year, 3 new you have no control. These external blocks technologies emerge, while 4 old technologies originate from outside factors. There may be become obsolete. Almost two-thirds of all little you can do to overcome office politics and unemployed people say they are willing to switch to organizational inconsistencies. Perhaps the a new line of work to find a new job. organization has certain financial limitations. Perhaps the organization you work for provides "I've learned that getting fired can sometimes be the no opportunities for additional or upward best thing that can happen to you." mobility. Perhaps your values and the values of -H. JACKSON BROWN JR. (Author of Live & Learn & Pass It On) the organization are incompatible. These are CAREER CHANGERS things you cannot change. You may choose to You will most likely feel that it is essential to change leave on your own. careers for one of three compelling reasons:

"The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge 1. Substantial change in major life interests to cross and which to burn." 2. Dissatisfied with present career and strongly drawn -DAVID RUSSELL to a new career 3. Reached end of present career JOB LOSS Sometimes the decision to leave is not up to There is an endless variety of reasons to change : you. No matter what you call it -- , Better pay, freedom from personality conflicts, termination, , discontinuation, inadequate working conditions, office politics, lack of outplacement, unemployment, being fired, recognition or responsibility, or diminished growth getting canned, getting the ax -- the experience opportunities. is a hurtful one. It is not unusual that you may One or more of these contributing factors generally feel insecure, discouraged, frustrated, isolated, affects career change: fearful, and depressed. You may feel worthless. 1. Technical change You may feel like a failure. After losing your job, 2. Corporate reorganization you may experience the four emotional stages 3. Economic downturns of loss. 4. Takeovers, mergers and divestitures

Shock - Disbelief that this has happened 5. Stagnation and burnout Anger - Feeling that you have been betrayed 6. Obsolescence and overspecialization Grief - Sadness over loss of friends, co-workers 7. Promotion to a level of incompetence and status 8. Changing value system in society Acceptance - Willingness to get on with your life

∙CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER∙ University of Montevallo • Station 6262 • Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-6262 • www.montevallo.edu/career