When Change Occurs

I have many friends and colleagues preparing to leave their companies in the search for new opportunities. I have been asked more than a few times how I handled my 9 months away from work. I thought what better way to provide my insights than to post an update to my blog. For those of you who have been through a career/job transition, please leave comments with additional insights that I may have missed.

Benefits
Protection of health and life is priority 1 and with job transition your benefits will obviously be impacted. Don't assume your spouse's employer benefits will be equal to your benefit package, get the details so you clearly understand cost changes in plans, co-pays, deductibles and coverage details. Be sure to evaluate medical, pharmacy, dental, vision and life insurance packages. Cobra's are outrageous so if your spouse has poor benefits or if you are single then check with your insurance agent for private insurance policies. You will need detailed medical history for the application so be prepared with doctor visit dates, procedures, prescriptions taken and all family history. Yes, insurance companies are a bear to deal with so better to get this dealt with sooner than later.

Career Search
As the old saying goes, when one door closes another one opens....what door do you want to have opened? This is an opportunity to do some soul searching and figure out what would you love to do, what would you like to do, and what you will absolutely not do. Take a day and list out what tasks you enjoy, previous accomplishments, what tasks annoy the crap out of you, and your favorite life experiences. You may not come up with your dream job, but the exercise should help generate ideas on your direction. You will then want to look at where the job opportunities exist and believe it or not even in this economy there are growth industries. Take a look at the Top Jobs for 2009 according to Fast Company. If you want to test out your dream job, there is a great company (I follow the owner Brian Kurth on witter) you should check out at www.vocationvacations.com.

Once you have your direction set then get moving. Companies are more diligent than ever and the interview/negotiation process can take months and months. You need to be clear with what you want, what you can live with and what will make you walk away. If someone makes you an offer, get it in writing or else, it doesn't count. Be persistent with your follow-up. Focus on what you can do for them and not what they can do for you. In interviews, be prepared as if the job is already yours and describe what you would do the first 30-60-90 days to be successful. Ask questions and be an active listener. Generate multiple job opportunities so you can have choices. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, and stay focused...the quickest way to continued unemployment is self-pity and no action. You can't hit the ball if you don't swing...make offers, work your network and swing the bat.

Some of you may get an opportunity to work with a placement agency such as Right Management as part of a severance package. If you are planning on taking a mental break before seeking out your next job let the placement agency know. Many times they can put your package on hold until you are ready to actively search for placement. As with anything in life, you will only get out of the package what you put in to it so embrace their recommendations and participate fully.

Networking
2008 experienced a significant growth in websites that can be tremendously helpful with building/expanding your network of help. My personal favorite for professional networking is LinkedIn. Not only can you make connections with LinkedIn, but you can also utilize their job search capability that shows if you are connected to a potential employer through your network. You can also reference in cover letters your profile link which includes career history, accomplishments and recommendations. Facebook and Twitter are two additional platforms that can help you engage and expand your network. A note of caution, what is on the web is searchable by anyone including potential employers...if you have inappropriate pictures or statements posted this may be the time to do some clean-up.

I know it is easy to get comfortable with staying in the house and reading the world through the computer and T.V. but you need to get out and meet people face-to-face too. Set-up at minimum one lunch a week with an old colleague, mentor, coach or a friend of a friend who can introduce you to a new industry. Pick up the phone and ask others to help you with introductions. Participate in social groups, play in your neighborhood bunko, join a professional networking group, or attend a community meeting....get OUT there, participate, ask questions, LISTEN, and enjoy meeting people...you never know who will connect you to your next step.

Financial Preparation
It goes without saying even the best made plans may not come to fruition. It is very important to understand your financial situation during a job transition. I suggest you detail your cash outflow down to the dollar and establish a disciplined budget. Save cash where you can and reduce debt to ease the monthly bill burden in the event it takes you longer to get a job than planned. Understand tax implications with unemployment, 401k transfers and stock options. Get help if needed and know the facts, this isn't a time for guessing.

Support Structure
I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have a solid support structure around you. You may ....no scratch that, you WILL experience anxiety, mood and self-esteem swings. Even if you voluntarily left a company for all the right reasons, there is still a psychological impact to not being employed. This is normal but can throw you off your game if you don't plan for it. Know who is in your corner, let them help boost your spirits when needed, and enjoy some extra time with those you are closest too because you will be back to work before you know it.

At the end of the day a job transition can be a scary and yet amazing life changing experience. Approach the opportunity with arms wide open and welcome the growth that awaits you. People will help you so let them. Listen to your heart, use your brain, make a plan, take action and you will find success.

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa