How can you effectively manage expectations when transitioning careers?

Transitioning careers can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you are moving to a different industry, role, or function. You may have high hopes and expectations for your new career, but also face uncertainty and doubt about your fit, performance, and prospects. How can you effectively manage expectations when transitioning careers and avoid disappointment, frustration, or burnout? Here are some tips from executive coaching experts to help you navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

Before you embark on your career transition, it is important to assess your strengths and gaps in relation to your new career goals. What skills, knowledge, and experience do you have that are relevant and transferable to your new field? What areas do you need to develop or improve to succeed in your new role? How can you leverage your existing network, resources, and opportunities to bridge the gaps? By conducting a realistic and honest self-assessment, you can set realistic and achievable expectations for yourself and communicate them clearly to your new employer, colleagues, and clients.

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Rachel Bouman

Architect of Change, Fueled by Curiosity | Career Transition Expert | Versatile Attorney+ HR Executive | Transformation Powerhouse | Strategic Partner | Relationship Builder | Change Management Driver
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I love using a career portfolio exercise for this as it helps bring the gaps into focus so my clients know whether an opportunity is truly right for them and what they need to do to close the gaps before they jump. Additionally, when they know their strengths and understand what sets them apart, they can best articulate why they are the solution that the new company is seeking.

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Ralph E Yew

Making Airport & Mass Transit safer for better customer experience in APAC region
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In our own personal growth journey - we can do an assessment to find out what are our personal strengths and giftings, as each person are endowed with wonderful talent, time and treasure to contribute to the society.

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2 Seek feedback and support

Another way to manage expectations when transitioning careers is to seek feedback and support from others who have gone through a similar change or who can offer valuable insights and guidance. You can reach out to your executive coach, mentor, peers, or industry experts and ask them for feedback on your progress, performance, and potential. You can also seek support from your family, friends, or professional networks and share your challenges, successes, and aspirations. By seeking feedback and support, you can gain a better understanding of your new career environment, expectations, and opportunities, and adjust your actions and goals accordingly.

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Ralph E Yew

Making Airport & Mass Transit safer for better customer experience in APAC region
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Seeking feedback by talking to some close friends that won't judge you or a mentor that have your very best interest at heart.

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3 Embrace learning and growth

One of the most important aspects of managing expectations when transitioning careers is to embrace learning and growth as part of the process. You may encounter new situations, challenges, and demands that require you to learn new skills, knowledge, or perspectives. You may also face setbacks, failures, or mistakes that test your resilience, adaptability, and confidence. Instead of seeing these as threats or obstacles, you can see them as opportunities to learn and grow from your experience. By embracing learning and growth, you can foster a positive and proactive mindset that helps you cope with change, overcome challenges, and achieve your career goals.

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Magda Cheang 🌿

FOUNDER > Talent Acquisition, Speaker & Coach [Tech/Climate-tech/Sustainability] I help companies hire amazing talent & people make their careers incredible
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Don't get too frustrated if your transition isn't happening very quickly, have a growth mindset when encountering challenges. Be open, curious and inquisitive to new experiences.

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Ralph E Yew

Making Airport & Mass Transit safer for better customer experience in APAC region
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Having the grit and resilience in overcoming many setbacks are the hallmark of good leaders. Be a comeback kid. Pain & trials are painful in short time but is the answer for personal success.

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4 Celebrate your achievements

Finally, managing expectations when transitioning careers also involves celebrating your achievements, no matter how big or small. You may have a tendency to focus on the gaps, problems, or difficulties that you encounter in your new career, and overlook the progress, results, or impact that you make. However, by celebrating your achievements, you can acknowledge your efforts, recognize your value, and boost your motivation and satisfaction. You can celebrate your achievements by rewarding yourself, sharing your success stories, or expressing your gratitude to those who helped you along the way.

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Magda Cheang 🌿

FOUNDER > Talent Acquisition, Speaker & Coach [Tech/Climate-tech/Sustainability] I help companies hire amazing talent & people make their careers incredible
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Celebrate small wins consistently, this will help keep you motivated on your journey. Join a community of others who are also transitioning careers. If needed, hire a coach to help accelerate your transition.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jen Lewi

Leadership Advisor and Career Strategist on a Mission to Make Work "Work" for You
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When people embark on career transitions, it's natural for fear to be an inherent part of the experience since they're stepping beyond their comfort zones. My approach with clients involves acknowledging this fear as a normal aspect of the process. I guide them in developing strategies to embrace and navigate this fear, encouraging them to adopt new approaches and try unfamiliar things as a means to progress forward in their careers.

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How can you effectively manage expectations when transitioning careers?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Seek feedback and support

3 Embrace learning and growth

4 Celebrate your achievements

5 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Coaching

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How can you effectively manage expectations when transitioning careers?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Seek feedback and support

3 Embrace learning and growth

4 Celebrate your achievements

5 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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