Career Transitions: Navigating Change with Intention

Transition | Change

In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II famously described a year of personal and professional upheaval as her “anus horribilis.” This term refers to a truly horrible year. Even with a lifetime of preparation for her royal role, unexpected events forced her to adapt quickly. The Queen understood that she needed to make significant changes to protect her reign and legacy.

Many of us can relate to experiencing our own version of the anus horribilis. Since January 2025, federal employees and contractors have faced ongoing changes in the workplace. These changes include return-to-office mandates (RTO), workforce reductions (RIF), early retirement offers, and unexpected terminations. Similar struggles are common across the private, academic, and public sectors. We predict that changes will continue, whether you work for the federal/state/local government, a non-profit, or in the private sector. If you feel thrown off course in your career, you're not alone.

Understanding Career Disruptions

The reality is that career disruptions are not a new phenomenon. Long-time employees have weathered similar storms before, and all of us will likely face major shakeups again, no matter our industry. So, what career advice can we offer for individuals currently experiencing disruptions similar to those in 2025?

Remain Calm

First and foremost, it's essential to remain calm. Those who keep a cool head are more likely to be open to the work necessary for transitioning to a new career future. Without this resilience, individuals may succumb to negative, unproductive thinking. This mindset can hinder their ability to identify resources, evaluate possible options, and effectively prepare for the future.

Navigate Through Change

Second, the advice remains consistent whether you are just starting out or are deep into your career. We suggest following our “DID I DO IT?” model for career self-preservation. This model provides steps to take when your career path suddenly changes.

Try the “DID I DO IT?” Career Check-In

This practical guide outlines how to protect and pivot your career:

1. Dust Off

   Regularly update your resume truthfully, ensuring you always maintain a current baseline.

   
   

2. Identify

   Assess possible career path options based on your strengths, past successes, and available job opportunities.

   
   

3. Develop

   Create an action plan with SMART goals. Set milestones to achieve your objectives.

   
   

4. Identify a Strategy

   Establish a system to hold yourself accountable for staying on track.

   
   

5. Do Research

   Investigate the job market to understand what employers seek in candidates.

   
   

6. Observe

   Pay attention to what your competition is doing to secure jobs in your desired field.

   
   

7. Invest in Yourself

   Seek out opportunities to gain new job experience, whether at work or in other contexts. Consider investing in tuition for new skills training, such as leadership coaching, even if your employer does not cover the costs.

   
   

8. Test Drive

   Share your updated resume with peers in your network to gain feedback on how you can improve your career strategy as you navigate changes.

   
   

Embracing Change

Change can be challenging, but reacting with panic will not lead to positive outcomes. Adopting a calm and focused mindset can open up opportunities for problem-solving, planning, and meaningful steps toward your next opportunity. When stress takes over, we risk falling into unproductive patterns. This can lead to overlooking available options, support, and the time needed to prepare for what lies ahead.

We conclude with a motivational poem by the esteemed American poet Edgar A. Guest, It Couldn’t Be Done (link). The essence of this poem lies in the idea that career professionals can move forward, despite setbacks in a given year. Remaining positive and breaking down steps as part of an action plan can significantly aid in propelling your career forward.

Take Action Now

✅ Sign up now for scheduled offerings by Academy of Government and Military Coaching. Visit https://academygmc.com to register! If you're still uncertain, let’s have a conversation about your next career move.

Written by Dr. Judy Kruger and Dr. Sue Stein, 2025

Source: Poets.org