Career Transitions & Job Stress

With an ever-evolving landscape of the job and economic market, coupled with demands from both personal and in the workplace, career transitions are becoming increasingly commonplace. Be it a change of job role, team dynamics, or switching careers, these major job changes could bring about stressors could be seen as exciting, daunting and scary all at the same time.

With that said, unexpected career challenges may occur to everyone – be it retrenchment, or being dissatisfied with our current job roles, job redesign or industry shifts. These challenges could be triggered by a multitude of factors and when not mitigated effectively, could manifest in stress, anxiety or even depression.

Understanding Job Stress

Job stress is a common response to challenges in creating a new career path; or having to adapt to unforeseen circumstances within the career space. While it is common, recognising the signs where prolonged stress can impact both mental and physical well-being and lead to burnout, which may be manifested via:

• Emotional distress: feelings of apprehension, fear, and frustration about the transition, the uncertainties about the job change.
• Physical discomfort: insomnia, headaches, digestive issues related to stress
• Behavioural changes: increased irritability, withdrawing from social activities or groups, change in eating habits.

Seeking Counselling Support

Seeking support during this time can help to mitigate the negative impacts of job stress and facilitate a smoother transition.

• Discussing your career values, interests, long term career aspirations, and how they align with the career choices for greater career satisfaction
• Provide a safe space to express your fears, doubts, and process the challenges that one inevitably faces in any job transitions.
• Learning coping strategies that can help to manage stress. This includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness and re-establish your support systems to help facilitate personal growth during challenging times.
• Goal setting & facilitating career clarity
• Proactive identification of skill gaps

By seeking counselling support, it is not seen as a sign of weakness, but a proactive step where individuals can help work through their career changes and take actionable towards personal and professional growth.

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