How to Handle Three Life Changes Like a Pro

As you go through life, you’ll face many changes. Some change is bound to happen — one day we’ll grow up, leave home and begin our adult life. Other change is more of a surprise, leaving you caught off guard and uncertain on how to proceed. The one thing reliable about change is that it’s constant. 

Whether you are facing the scary transition from college to career, leaving an old job for a new one, or making a big move to a different place, it is important to know how to navigate the change you’re about to experience. Below we’ve provided some advice on how you can not only survive change, but thrive because of it.

COLLEGE TO CAREERS
The transition from college life to work life can be difficult. Unless you’ve found a job in your college town, you are likely not only making the transition from going to class to going to work, but you’re also making a big move to another place. As you navigate this new phase of life, keep in mind the small changes you should make to make this major change work.

Firstly, it is important to kick some of your college habits to the curb. To be able to wake up early and work all day, you’ll need to get enough sleep every night (between 7 and 9 hours preferably). You’ll also need to adjust your spending habits. Establishing a budget (and sticking to it) will help keep you on track financially and set you up for long term success. Finally, listen to the advice of those above you in (and out of) the workplace. In doing so, you’re likely to learn from their mistakes and possibly gain a mentor for years — and careers — to come.  

JOB TO JOB
More likely than not, you’ll most likely go through a few job changes before you find the one. In fact, a LinkedIn study found most people will change jobs four times by the age of 32. This change can grow exponentially harder if you’re making not only a job change, but a career shift. While leaving one job for another can be a difficult decision, it can often be harder to acclimate to your new workspace. 

In addition to taking on new responsibilities, a new job also means the added pressure to prove yourself. Because of this, knowing your limits is necessary — be sure you’re unplugging and giving yourself the downtime you need to prevent burnout. Another hardship of a new job is learning the office dynamic and finding your workplace BFF — as you do so, remember to tread lightly. Ultimately, it does take time to build relationships and, with a little perseverance, you’ll be making friends and killing it in your job.

CITY TO CITY
Whether you’re moving for your career or moving for family, making the move to a new place can be daunting (and even more terrifying if you’re making that change alone). Not only is the process of moving a headache, but the reality of leaving behind your comfort zone can be added stress. If you’re facing a move, remember there are ways to make your new house a home.

One of the best things you can do when moving is to be a tourist in your own city — while it may sound cheesy, it can be fun! Even just knowing the route to work (without a map) and where you can pick up dinner on the way home will help you feel more settled. Another thing that will make you feel more at home is finding new friends, which requires you to get out of the house and meet new people. If you’re having trouble, you can always see if you have any friends who can introduce you to new people in your new city.

No matter what, always face change with an open mind. Even if you weren’t looking for it, change can bring new opportunities and will ultimately lead you where you’re meant to be. By expecting change and preparing for it, you’ll learn valuable lessons — you may even learn to love change itself!