Dr. Seema Girija Lal

Articles

DEAR_JOB_SEEKERS

October 11, 2020

#DEAR_JOB_SEEKERS   I want to share my personal journey and experiences, which I hope will provide encouragement and insights for those who are in the midst of job transitions or considering a change during these challenging times.   The decision to change my job didn't come easily. I had been with my previous employer for a considerable period, and it was a comfortable yet increasingly unsatisfying position. As someone with 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health, the prospect of transitioning to a new job seemed like a straightforward task, but I quickly realized that it was far from easy.   Here's how I navigated this transition with the acronym "OKAY":   O: One Day at a Time: I had to remind myself to take it one day at a time. I focused on organizing my thoughts and feelings and, most importantly, opening up to others. At first, things seemed to be progressing well, but I soon realized that a peaceful transition was not possible. I had to say "OKAY" to myself, recognizing that enough was enough.   K: Keeping Track and Kindness: To cope with our changing circumstances, I had to meticulously keep track of our budget and expenses. This was crucial to avoid depleting our savings. Practicing kindness was not just essential for others but for myself as well. I had to stop being overly self-critical and be more compassionate to myself.   A: Accepting and Asking for Help: I acknowledged that life was about to change, and I had to accept it. Asking for help was a pivotal step. I turned to the right people, and their support was invaluable. Abandoning anger and fear and accessing the right networks were essential.   Y: You Are Enough: The most significant realization throughout this journey was that I am enough. When you have physical and mental health, you can overcome challenges. I managed to find a new opportunity within a month, not only with better financial prospects but also with a more meaningful impact on people who valued my work.   In the end, my family and I are on the path to becoming entrepreneurs, transitioning from being hired to taking over something new. We appreciate all the support and prayers during this phase. I want to remind everyone that, with determination, the right mindset, and a supportive network, it's possible to navigate through challenging career transitions.   Remember, yesterday is over, and every new day brings hope and opportunities.