Change! How to stay sane at work and beyond

Posted by Terri Trespicio

Recently we had the lovely Ariane de Bonvoison, founder and chief change optimist of First 30  Days, on the show to tell us how to better adjust to changes on the workfront -- particularly if you’ve been recently laid off. Here are some things to keep in mind and to keep your life in perspective.

Stop the story.
What same old sad tale leaps to your lips when you start talking about work? And more to the point: Why? Are you casting yourself as the victim, for instance, or further perpetuating a myth about what you are or are not worth? Think about how to share your story in a way that’s empowering, not dispiriting.

Think about what to do now, not for the rest of your life.
It can be incredibly daunting to consider what you want to do now and forever, especially if leaving your job or changing careers was not your idea. So instead, says de Bonvoison, focus instead on what you’d simply like to do next -- whether it’s learn a new skill or try your hand at a different type of role. One step at a time.

Stop labeling yourself.
Perhaps you wore the badge of teacher for years. Maybe you’ve always seen yourself as a marketing person. That’s ok, says de Bonvoison. It doesn’t mean you can’t become something or someone else, too. The sooner you stop putting yourself in a box, the sooner you can open yourself up to all sorts of new opportunities.

Tap in.
There’s a reason we spend so much time building and maintaining our personal and professional networks -- so that we can draw on them for support when we need it. The best way to fire up your network? Start getting back in touch and offering help to others, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need as well.

Don’t burn bridges.
Sure, it may seem appealing to fire off an angry note to your manager or take another negative action, but think twice. Keep your bridges to valued contacts and colleagues in tact. You really never know what the future will bring.