Transitioning is an overwhelming process. You are moving a million miles an hour with more moving pieces than you can about keep up with. Lots of emotions, questions, doubts, and fears are all tripping through your brain. Having a carefully thought-out plan really helps to quiet your brain down. Take some time to really figure out what you want to do. This is a journey and it’s also an inside job. Ask yourself some questions:

• What type of role do you really want to do? Do you want to lead, be an individual contributor, or a subject matter expert?
• What size of organization do you want to work for? Do you want the adventure of wearing multiple hats with a start-up? Do you want to work for a small, medium, or large organization? What about a non-profit? Do you want to work for the government? What about a government contractor?
• Do you want to start your own business?
• What are your values? Do they align to the organizational mission?
• What skills do you really enjoy doing? What skills drain you to use them?
• What would the organization do that would really engage you? Do they make widgets? Are they service-oriented?
• What industries can you see yourself being a part of?

Once you have either decide on the role and the industries or you are not sure and need some more information, it’s research time. Who in your network has done the role, and has inside knowledge of the industry? What can they share with you about how they got there and what are the challenges? You are looking for the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you don’t know anyone, ask for help from veterans who are doing the role now or are in the industry you want to be in and see who they can help you get a referral to. This is a great way to see if this is really a good decision for you. You don’t know what you don’t know and it’s what you don’t know you wish you did. Don’t feel hesitant to ask for the help you need. People love to help!

If you want to discuss this more in-depth, I am here to help! Please contact me at
peg@themissiontransition.com