Transition from one profession to another: 7 key stages

I recently calculated statistics: almost every second person I know has changed their profession at least once in their life. Or dreamed of changing it. Moreover, today leading economists say that the world is on the verge of the Fourth Scientific and Technological Revolution. And if many years ago small craftsmen were replaced by large factories, soon some of the intellectual laborers may be replaced by artificial intelligence.

More and more adults are turning to me as a career counselor. Almost every one of them feels alone and wrong in this career crisis. This is not surprising, because in the USSR it was customary to choose the “right” profession once and for life, the state invested a lot of money in training a specialist, and then sent them to do five-year terms for life.

Today, the world has changed a lot, and it is not only teenagers who are going through transitions. That’s why I want to share with you the concept of the stages of the so-called career transition. It was written about in the late 20th century in foreign literature by Adams, Hayes and Hopson. But for some reason, I have never seen it translated here. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of the stages of bereavement, but it is still focused on the process of living through a career crisis.

So, during a career crisis, we:

1. We deny it.
We live the life we are so used to. We go to the office to work, work there diligently as an accountant from 9 to 18, drink beer with friends at the bar every Friday, and spend weekends with our families. And suddenly we start to feel sick in the morning. And only on working days. You go to the doctor, get tested, and the doctor finds nothing wrong. You continue to feel sicker and sicker until you finally enter the second stage.

What to do about it?
Be sensitive to yourself. Learn to listen to your own body. And understand your needs. If you are insensitive to yourself, this period can drag on for a very long time.

2. We react.
After a while, we start to draw a parallel between accounting and nausea. And suddenly we remember that we have always dreamed of painting. At this stage, we are filled with feelings. And they can be very different. You may suddenly feel delighted that you have finally found your way. Or anger at the same teacher who called your drawings mediocre many years ago. Or maybe even sadness because you wasted so much time doing something you didn’t like.

What to do about it?
To live. To share with others. Not to be alone with them.

3. We feel insecure.
At this stage, we begin to be consumed by doubts. As well as anger, sadness, longing, and despair. Can I relearn? What if I don’t succeed? What if I’m not that talented for a designer? Objectively, this is the most unpleasant stage. The most crisis within a crisis. But after it, it becomes much easier.

What to do about it?
Ask for support. Ensure that you have close people who can take care of you and support you. Take an aptitude test, consult a design teacher. Try to provide yourself with what you already have to move forward. Use your self-support resources.

4. Accept reality.
We come to realize that we cannot return to the past. Our desires have changed. Our world will not be the same as before. This stage is crucial. If you manage to direct your gaze to the future, then the rest is much easier. You choose change. If not, you risk falling back into insecurity and trying to live a past life that is no longer relevant.

What to do about it?
Try to come to terms with the fact that there have been changes. Weigh the pros and cons. See the light at the end of the tunnel. And actively begin to take an interest in your desired profession.

5. Testing.
We start actively looking for options to realize our plans. We find courses, come up with a plan for the future, take on a part-time job as an accountant, and study Photoshop at night. This is when you get the strength and desire to act, but after a series of unsuccessful attempts, you run the risk of falling into uncertainty again.

What to do about it?
Look for possible options (individually or in groups). Develop networking. And, again, ask for and accept support.

6. Looking for meaning.
The courses were completed and we got an internship at a creative agency. In the course of this difficult year-long journey, we have done a tremendous amount of work. All that remains is to give it meaning and draw conclusions. For example, our friends were especially supportive, unlike our parents. And we were able to learn how to draw animation in just six months – it turns out that we are far from being as talentless as we thought at first.

What to do about it?
Take a careful look at the path you have traveled. It is important to devote enough time to finding meaning, otherwise you will lose such a great and important experience of living through the crisis. And you will need it later. For example, during the next crisis, not necessarily a professional one.

7. Integrate.
Based on a talent for drawing, we may decide to go in the direction of animation in design. Based on the support we receive, we start to trust friends more than family. At this stage, we implement the experience gained in life and adjust it.

What to do about it?
Just improve your quality of life and grow further. The most pleasant stage, in my opinion.

I wish you successful changes.