SPEAKER'S CORNER: Rick Peterson – Avoiding Common Transition Pitfalls

By Rick Peterson & Frances Chaves
Feeling overwhelmed and going in different directions at once is a frequent reaction to career transition, especially if it becomes extended. Focus, planning, and support will break the cycle of “spinning our wheels” and becoming frustrated or depressed.
Do A Self-Assessment Check
Don’t skip the self-assessment process; give it all the time it requires so you can be sure that you know what you want to do when you grow up.

• Avoid the trap of thinking that you can only do what you have done before.
• Allocate sufficient time and effort to understand and identify ALL of your skills.
• Do the homework to determine the career which values your special skill set.
• Get feedback on your self-assessment conclusions.

Create A Career-Search Strategy
Avoid an “ad hoc” career-search strategy by identifying specific career positions.

• Don’t apply for every job that pops-up.
• Give up “flavor of the week” job seeking trying to anticipate/following trends.
• Don’t limit your search to only online job postings.
• Write it down; don’t rely on “top-of-the-head” planning and record keeping.
• Get your goals out of your head and onto paper.
• Itemize the tasks required to achieve your goals; develop appropriate targets.
• Record task completion.
• Follow up in a timely manner.
• Review and adjust your goals and plans so they become increasingly effective.
• Develop accountability for progress or lack thereof by consulting PCGCNJ’s Transition Management Team (TMT) at 9 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month before the General Membership meetings.