Gain valuable insights and learn actionable steps to overcome your anxiety and paralysis when re-entering the workforce.
Introduction: Re-entry as a Transition
Taking a career break for family, travel, or personal growth is a valuable experience. But when it’s time to rejoin the workforce, and depending upon the circumstances of that return, the job search process can feel daunting. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory provides a useful framework for understanding and managing this significant life change. This theory highlights four key factors—Situation, Self, Support, and Strategies—that influence how individuals cope with transitions. By applying these concepts, this post can help you better navigate the complexities of re-entering the workforce.
We’ll explore how to move forward with crafting a resume that showcases your strengths, while avoiding the “perfect” resume trap. We’ll also address the emotional challenges of potentially accepting a step back in terms of position or salary, and how to reframe your perspective for long-term success.
While reading this post, we’d like you to stop and think about yourself and your job search experience. Jot down how each section might apply to you. By the end of this post, you’ll gain valuable self-insights and learn actionable steps to confidently re-enter the workforce.
Understanding the Transition with Schlossberg’s Transition Theory
Re-entering the workforce can be seen as a significant life transition. Nancy K. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory provides a useful framework for understanding and managing this process. According to Schlossberg, transitions are influenced by four main factors or S’s: Situation, Self, Support, and Strategies.
- Situation: Consider the specifics of your workforce re-entry. Is it voluntary or involuntary; expected or unexpected? Are you transitioning into a different industry? Did you like your previous career? Understanding the context of the transition can help you manage your expectations and prepare accordingly.
- Self: Reflect on your personal characteristics and psychological resources. How resilient are you? What are your coping skills? What is your biggest worry? Recognizing your strengths and areas for improvement can guide your re-entry strategy.
- Support: Leverage your support systems. Family, friends, mentors, and professional networks can provide emotional support and practical advice during this transition.
- Strategies: Develop and employ effective coping strategies. This includes problem-solving skills, the ability to seek out information, challenging negative thinking, and adapting to new circumstances.
Why the Anxiety?
According to Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, understanding your Situation (e.g whether your re-entry is voluntary or involuntary; how re-entry at this point in time fits into your overall life plan) can help contextualize your anxiety.
Here are some other reasons why this transition can be nerve-wracking:
- Skill Relevancy Concerns: You might worry that your skills have become outdated during your break. Reflecting on the Self component of Schlossberg’s theory, assess your personal strengths and areas where you may need to update your skills.
- Confidence Dip: The longer you’ve been away from the job market, the less confident you might feel about your abilities. The fear of being perceived as “out of touch” or having a resume that doesn’t reflect current industry trends is a major source of anxiety for job seekers. Leverage Support, seek encouragement from mentors and peers to rebuild your confidence.
- The Application Abyss: The sheer volume of applications and the competitive nature of the job market can be overwhelming. Employing effective Strategies, such as breaking tasks into manageable steps and setting daily goals can help mitigate this feeling.
Turning Anxiety into Action
Here are some actionable steps to transform your transition anxiety into resume readiness:
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on transferable skills—communication, problem-solving, time management—that are valuable across industries. This aligns with Schlossberg’s Strategy factor, helping you effectively translate your skills to new contexts.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Did you volunteer during your break? Quantify your accomplishments using metrics to showcase continued growth, reflecting the Self component of recognizing your strengths.
- Tailor Your Resume: Adapt your resume to each specific job description, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. This is an effective Strategy to make your application stand out.
- Network, Network, Network: Reconnect with former colleagues or join industry groups to stay updated and build connections. This falls under the Support component, as strong networks can provide guidance and opportunities.
Remember, taking a career break doesn’t diminish your value as a professional. By acknowledging your skills and framing your experiences positively, you can create a resume that showcases your strengths and lands you the job.
The Paralysis of the Perfect: Breaking Free from Resume Obsession
The quest for the “perfect” resume can be a major source of paralysis for job seekers, especially those re-entering the workforce after a years long break.
Here’s why the pursuit of perfection can backfire:
- Procrastination Trap: The pressure to create a flawless resume can lead to endless revisions and delays in starting your job search. Recognize this as a Strategy issue, where taking action is more important than achieving perfection.
- Diminished Confidence: The feeling of never having a “good enough” resume can dent your self-esteem and motivation. The Self component can be enhanced by seeking feedback and support to bolster your confidence.
- Missed Opportunities: While you’re perfecting your resume, great opportunities might pass you by. Focus on taking action, another key Strategy.
So, how do we break free from this paralyzing quest?
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Aim for a strong, well-written resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience. Don’t get bogged down in chasing some unattainable ideal. This is a Strategy to keep moving forward.
- Action Over Analysis: Don’t wait for the perfect resume before starting your job search. Get a good draft out there and refine it as you receive feedback. Schlossberg’s Strategy factor encourages taking steps forward.
- Highlight Your Value Proposition: Shift your focus from crafting a perfect document to crafting a compelling story about your value as a professional. This taps into the Self component by emphasizing your unique strengths.
Remember, your resume is a starting point, not a finish line. The most important thing is to take action and get your application out there. The interview itself is where you can truly shine and showcase your capabilities.
Accepting a Step Back: Reconciling Expectations with Reality
Re-entering the workforce can involve not just anxieties about skills and resumes, but also emotional hurdles related to accepting a position (or salary) that might be a step back from what you had before your break. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory can help by framing this transition in terms of the 4 S’s.
It’s natural to feel a sense of:
- Loss: You might grieve the seniority or responsibilities you held in your previous role. Understanding the Situation of the loss helps contextualize this feeling.
- Disappointment: The salary offered might be lower than what you anticipated, leading to feelings of disappointment or being undervalued. Reflecting on your strengths can help you maintain perspective on your intrinsic value.
- Frustration: The job search process itself can be frustrating, especially if it takes longer than expected. Support from networks and mentors can provide encouragement and perspective. Frustration can also be related to the Situation surrounding your return to the workforce. Are you returning because you want to or because you need to? If returning to the workforce is not a choice or not part of your life plan at this point, it can be even more frustrating.
Here are some strategies for managing these emotions:
- Focus on the Long-Term: A lower starting point than your last position or than you hoped for can be a stepping stone to regaining your momentum and eventually reaching (or surpassing) your previous level. This is an important Strategy to maintain motivation.
- Reframe Your Perspective: Look for opportunities to learn and grow in the new role. This could involve acquiring new skills or gaining experience in a different area, aligning with the Self and Strategy components.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Each interview gained, skill learned, or connection made brings you closer to your ultimate goal. This can be supported by your network, aligning with the Support component.
It’s also important to be realistic about your expectations. Research salary trends in your field to understand what’s currently achievable. Talking to career counselors or mentors can also provide valuable perspective on navigating a re-entry with a potential step back.
Conclusion: From Anxiety to Action
Re-entering the workforce after a break is a journey, not a destination. By acknowledging your transferable skills, framing your experiences positively, and focusing on the long-term, you can craft a compelling resume and land a job that aligns with your goals. Remember, your value isn’t defined by a title or salary. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, celebrate your progress, and confidently step back into a fulfilling career.
Don’t let the pressure for perfection paralyze you. Take action, get your application out there, and showcase your true potential in the interview. Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a guide, you can navigate this transition with confidence and resilience. By understanding the Situation, leveraging your Self attributes, seeking Support, and applying effective Strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to manage this transition and thrive in your new role.
References:
Schlossberg, N. K. (1981). “A Model for Analyzing Human Adaptation to Transition.” The Counseling Psychologist, 9(2), 2-18.
Title: Counseling Adults in Transition: Linking Schlossberg’s Theory with Practice in a Diverse World
Authors: Mary L. Anderson, Jane Goodman, and Nancy K. Schlossberg
Edition: 4th edition
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Year: 2012