Finding Strength in Life’s Transitions
It seems like every time we turn on the news, we hear about thousands of jobs being eliminated across every sector of the economy.
People who once believed their jobs were secure now realize that employment security was an illusion. Professionals who worked tirelessly—80-hour weeks, years of dedication—are learning that hard work doesn’t always guarantee stability. We thought we would have a job as long as we did a good job, but we were wrong.
The Reality of Job Loss
Having coached many clients through job loss, I know how devastating it can be. A job isn’t just a paycheck but part of our identity. Losing it can feel like losing a piece of ourselves.
On top of the financial stress, we ride an emotional rollercoaster—grief, anger, hope, and uncertainty—all swirling together. One day we’re angry; the next, we’re sad and sometimes glad because we hated our job anyway. And often, there’s the nagging voice of self-doubt, wondering if we did something wrong.
After years of working as an organizational change consultant advising organizations planning a restructuring and reduction in force, I can confidently say this: More often than not, your job loss had nothing to do with your performance but was a result of decisions based on factors beyond your control. It’s not your fault.
What you do control, however, is what comes next. How will you navigate the transition this change triggers and maximize your time in the in-between?
Understanding the In-Between
Change pushes us out of our comfort zone. It can feel like being pushed off a cliff with no place to land in sight, but it’s also an opportunity to soar.
Throughout life, we will all experience transitions—those moments when we are no longer where we once were but haven’t quite reached where we want to be. These in-between phases can feel unsettling, filled with uncertainty and discomfort. It’s as if we are suspended in limbo, disconnected from the past but not yet anchored in the future.
We may long to return to what was familiar, but the past is no longer an option. Moving forward is inevitable, yet the path ahead might be unclear, leaving us feeling stuck in between.
But what if the in-between wasn’t just something to endure but something to embrace?
What if, instead of resisting uncertainty, we saw this phase as a place of possibility that holds value, growth, and transformation?
Rather than viewing this time as wasted waiting for something to happen, we can begin to recognize it as a season of preparation.
You must understand that your skills, knowledge, and experience are yours to take forward. Someone may take away your job, but they can’t take away your abilities. You can leverage the relationships you’ve made, along with your knowledge and skills, to land the next opportunity, pivot into something new, or build something entirely your own.
Embracing the In-Between
The in-between allows us to reflect, realign, and refine our vision for the future. It teaches us patience and resilience, reminding us that transformation takes time. The discomfort we feel is a sign of growth. Like a caterpillar in a cocoon, our inner transformation is unseen but essential.
Embracing the in-between allows you to find clarity, gain strength, increase creativity, and learn to trust in the process.
- We Find Clarity Through Stillness
When we are constantly moving, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The in-between forces us to pause and reflect, allowing us to clarify our goals, values, and desires. How do we want to experience this next stage of life? - We Gain Strength in Discomfort
Feeling out of place is uncomfortable, but discomfort is a catalyst for growth. We develop emotional resilience and inner strength when we lean into uncertainty rather than resist it. - We Increase Creativity That Fosters Reinvention
Transitions often lead to breakthroughs. The uncertainty of the in-between can spark creativity, helping us explore innovative ideas, perspectives, and opportunities we might not have considered before. Possibilities replace the limits we once felt. - We Learn to Trust the Process
The in-between teaches us to trust life’s unfolding. Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line; sometimes, the most meaningful opportunities emerge unexpectedly. When we learn to trust that we are precisely where we need to be, we reduce anxiety and open ourselves to new possibilities.
How to Navigate the In-Between with Confidence
- Reframe Your Perspective – Instead of seeing this time as a setback, consider it a season of preparation and growth.
- Practice Self-Compassion – Be kind to yourself. Growth is not always linear, and progress is still happening, even if you can’t see it yet.
- Stay Open to Possibilities – The in-between may lead you to opportunities you never considered. Stay curious and open-minded and be willing to say “yes” to the unexpected.
- Find Joy in the Present – While you work toward the future, don’t forget to appreciate where you are now. There are lessons, beauty, and meaning even in the waiting.
Conclusion
The in-between can feel like an uncertain and awkward space where we may feel disconnected and lost, but it is also where transformation happens. Instead of resisting change, we can embrace it, knowing that it shapes us into who we are meant to become.
You are not lost. You are becoming. And that is a beautiful place to be.
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