Many of my clients do not take career transitions lightly. When they come to me, their goal to make a confident decision:
"Yes, I am staying/leaving."
"Yes, this is what’s next for me."
"Yes, I can navigate the change well."
This week, in a cafe on a rainy day in North London, I sat with a client unravelling the transition process: the loss of what we leave behind, the uncomfortable space of 'no man's land' where we contemplate our evolving identity and the unknown that lies ahead, and finally, more certainty as the path ahead becomes clear.
As my client shed tears, we paused and sat with that for a minute. Part of letting go is allowing yourself to grieve. It's okay to mourn what you are leaving behind—whether that be the people you worked with, the lifestyle, or the comfort of a steady income. It’s sad and it’s ok to be sad.
Yet, alongside the loss, there is also room for celebration; which is why we have leaving parties! I often suggest to my female clients that they commemorate their transition (whether a promotion, new job, or new identity) with a piece of jewellery—a tangible symbol of change and self-celebration. Other clients opt for a party (with family, friends, or colleagues), rejoicing in the successes of the past and toasting the journey ahead.
“Career transitions are profound moments, weaving together grief for what's left behind and excitement for what's to come. It's vital to honour both sorrow and celebration as we navigate these shifts.”
The point is that career transitions embrace both sorrow and joy. It's a time worth cherishing and a time for letting go. If you are undergoing a similar transition, how will you celebrate this moment? How will you honour your achievements while saying farewell to the past?
Architect’s Leadership Journal: Weekly Questions
Every Friday lunchtime, I send out an explanation/prompt about one of the questions in the Architect's Leadership Journal.
For instance, I recently went deeper behind the question:
To Protect My Time and Energy I Must:
To receive these weekly prompts, join the Journal newsletter list .
Appraisal Preparation Workbook
Appraisal Preparation Workbook
I designed the Appraisal Preparation Workbook to help improve and make the appraisal process easier, starting with early conversations and planning.
Don’t leave your preparation to the week before your review! The Appraisal Preparation workbook helps you to plan, reflect, and make the most of your annual appraisals. Grab yourself the Appraisal Preparation Workbook, this month with 20% OFF.
Architect’s Leadership Journal
The ideal place to record your accomplishments, goals, thinking and experiences is, of course, in the Architect's Leadership Journal!
This weekly, structured journal is designed to support your leadership development. It is a perfect accompaniment to leadership programmes, mentees, mentors, and high achievers alike.