Madjeen LortheA few years ago, I found myself in a position I had worked tirelessly to reach—a leadership role that had once been my dream. But the environment had become toxic, and I faced a difficult decision.
Do I stay in a role that’s draining the life out of me? Or do I walk away from everything I’ve built?
Eventually, I chose to leave. I took a significant pay cut and accepted a new job that aligned more closely with my values. It felt like the right decision, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
Leaving the role I had worked so hard for and starting over in a new position, I felt a deep sense of conflict. Even though my new job aligned better with my values, it felt like I was letting go of everything I had fought so hard to achieve. The decision stirred up unexpected emotions—uncertainty, doubt, and a sense of loss.
I questioned whether I had made the right choice, whether I was strong enough to rebuild, whether I had just thrown away my best chance at success.
These feelings hit on something I’ve seen repeatedly in myself and others: career transitions, even those we choose with confidence, can stir up emotions we never saw coming. They can make us question our choices, our direction, and even our sense of who we are.
So, why does this happen? Why, after all the sacrifices, does making the right choice sometimes feel so unsettling?
Why struggling is a normal part of a career transition
We often expect ourselves to adapt instantly to new roles and hit the ground running without missing a beat. But the reality is, when you are stepping into something new, whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or even a complete career shift, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain.
1. There’s a shift in our identity
One of the main reasons transitions feel so challenging is because they often involve a shift in our identity. Your job or career isn’t just what you do—it’s a part of who you are. When you move into a new role, switch fields, or even take a step back, your sense of self is suddenly in flux. You’re no longer who you used to be, but you’re not yet who you’re going to become. This in-between state can be disorienting.
For instance, imagine you’ve been known as an expert in a particular field for years, and now you’re moving into a different industry. Suddenly, the confidence and competence you once felt may be replaced by uncertainty. You’re redefining your professional identity, which is a process that takes time and, yes, involves struggle.
2. There’s a learning curve
Every transition comes with a learning curve. Even if your new role is similar to your previous one, there are always new dynamics to navigate—new company cultures, new team structures, or new expectations. This period of adjustment can be mentally exhausting and emotionally taxing. It’s normal to feel like you’re not quite measuring up, especially in the early stages.
Think of it like being a beginner again. When you start learning anything new, whether it’s a sport, a language, or a skill, the initial phase is usually the hardest. You might struggle, make mistakes, or even feel like giving up. But with persistence, you eventually find your rhythm. Career transitions are much the same.
3. You are letting go of the familiar
Another reason struggling is normal during transitions is that you’re in a process of letting go. You might be letting go of a familiar routine, a comfortable role, or even a former version of yourself. This can bring up feelings of loss or grief, even if the change is something you chose or something positive.
For example, if you’ve stepped down from a high-pressure leadership role to prioritize your well-being, you might struggle with feelings of guilt or doubt. You might miss the adrenaline rush, the sense of importance, or even the chaos that came with the old role. It’s important to recognize these feelings as part of the transition process.
4. The unknown is scary
Transitions inherently involve stepping into the unknown, and with that comes fear and anxiety. You might worry about whether you’ve made the right decision, whether you’ll succeed in your new role, or how long it will take to feel confident again. This fear of the unknown is a natural part of human psychology, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why transitions feel so hard.
The fear of leaving behind the familiar can add to this uncertainty, but when you focus on the possibilities ahead, you can overcome fear of career change and take a step toward something better.
But remember, this fear isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s a sign that you’re growing. Just like a plant that pushes through the soil to reach the sunlight, you’re pushing through discomfort and uncertainty to reach your next stage of growth.
5. Your sense of purpose is recalibrating
Finally, struggling during a transition is often tied to a deeper recalibration of your sense of purpose. What drives you? What do you want from your career? Transitions can stir up these fundamental questions, and wrestling with them can be both uncomfortable and enlightening. The struggle to find or reaffirm your purpose is a key part of what makes transitions so transformative.
Navigating the transition
So, how do we navigate these turbulent waters of career transition? How do we find our footing when the ground beneath us has shifted?
First, acknowledge that struggling is a normal part of the process. It doesn’t mean you are weak or incompetent. You are human, and you’re going through a significant change. You need to be patient with yourself and understand that transitions take time and that you won’t have it all figured out overnight. So allow yourself to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow at your own pace.
Another important part is to embrace the discomfort. It’s a sign that you’re stepping into a new territory and it means you are brave enough to take on a challenge. Lean into that discomfort and see it as an opportunity for growth.
Finally, trust the process. Even when it feels like everything is in flux, remind yourself that you are exactly where you need to be. Every challenge, every doubt, and every moment of uncertainty is shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.
Remember, career transitions are a journey, not a destination. They’re an opportunity to redefine yourself, to discover new strengths, and to step into a new version of yourself.
So, if you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Know that it’s a normal, even necessary, part of the process. And know that on the other side of that struggle is a new beginning, a new chapter, and a new you.
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