Change is a common and constant experience. When we choose to make a change, it can be easier than a change that happens to us, but it can still feel scary, anxiety-producing, and overwhelming, depending on the circumstances.

Changing jobs can bring on all of the above and cause one to experience a gamut of emotions. New Ventures Maine workforce specialists offer guidance to help class participants take care of themselves during the process of changing jobs, making it a positive process.

Here are four areas of self-care to consider when changing jobs:

• Values: How do your personal and work values align with each potential new job and workplace? How does each potential new job meet your financial needs? If it’s not possible to align your values with a new job, you may want to consider it a temporary change while you search for another job that is a better fit for you.
• Balance: How do you balance your workplace and home time? Most women struggle with workplace and home balance. If you don’t have one, develop a plan to take care of yourself, especially when adjusting to a major change. Taking care of yourself will help you adjust to change and lessen feelings of anxiety.
• Self-Confidence: When changing jobs, self-confidence can be shaky. This is a good time to be as positive as possible. Learning new skills can take time. Be gentle with yourself as you learn new things, meet new people, and adjust to new supervision.
• Simplicity: If you can, avoid taking on too many changes at once. Focus on your job change and self-care.

To explore more tools to support your job change, consider taking an NVME class such as the new online workshop series, Changing Jobs: Finding Work That Fits. This is a three-part series designed for women that will be offered in March and again in April:
• Wednesdays, March 22 – April 5, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays, April 19 – May 3, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

This class will help you identify work options and benefits that align with your interests, skills, and values. You’ll join with other women who are considering a job change and may be unsure of their next steps or find that fear is getting in the way of moving forward.

If you would benefit from individual advising to help you set goals and make a plan to achieve them, reach out to us at info@newventuresmaine.org and we will match you with a NVME staff person in your area.

We are grateful to the Maine Community Foundation, whose support helps us to offer this class tuition-free.