Change is all around us; Brexit, new Government, people escaping war in Syria… For years we have been told to deal with change, that it is inevitable and definitely a prerequisite skill to get an interview: adaptability, willingness to change is a must etc. Just because it has become necessary to deal with today’s world of continous flux does not mean it is easy. The way our brain works mean we like to systemise things around us. (I don’t know about you, but I work better with a clear desk). We have scripts for judging people quickly which might not always turn out to be right, but we need to have a starting point at least. All of these things work towards having some sort of stability around us so we can deal with uncertainty coming our way – because inevitably it does. It can be someone doing something completely out of character that affects our world or a job that becomes increasingly pressurised or redundant.
If you have ever experienced a life changing moment, you know that it is not only the actual change you have to come to terms with. It is also all the ripples in the water that comes as a result of that change; how will you provide for your family, what will people think of you, what about your pension, who are you now that you are not (insert job title)? It can be a monumental shift and not one to be taken lightly or dismissed with a ‘you’ll soon get a new job’.
It can be very difficult to see the potential in change when it is new, sudden and a raw feeling, but it is. Change allows us (forces us) to stop and take stock and reflect which we haven’t or do not take time to do when things are going smoothly. So allow yourself to feel the impact of the blow and be sad/angry/frustrated, but clear some mind space for reflection on whether this job is really what you wanted to do and where you wanted to make a difference or is there a dream somewhere that got tucked away that now might be a good time to explore?