Navigating the Unexpected: The Kubler-Ross Model and a Career Change
The unexpected often throws us off balance, and navigating change can be an emotionally charged experience. The Kubler-Ross model, though originally developed to understand grief, offers a valuable framework for processing unexpected events. Let's explore how this model applies to a recent career shift I undertook.
A previous role, early in my professional career, was comfortable and familiar. I had a supportive
team, a defined set of responsibilities, and a clear path for advancement. However, the company I
worked for was acquired by a larger entity, and a restructuring resulted in the elimination of my entire department. This sudden job loss was a blow. Denial became my initial defense mechanism. "There must be some mistake," I thought, clinging to the hope that the situation could be rectified.
As the reality of the situation settled in, anger set in. I was angry at the acquiring company for the impersonal way the restructuring was handled and frustrated with the lack of control I felt over the situation. Bargaining manifested in the form of countless applications with companies like my previous employer, hoping to recreate the familiar.
Depression inevitably followed. The job search felt overwhelming, and the rejections chipped away at my confidence. The familiar routine of my old job was gone, replaced by a sense of purposelessness. However, during this stage, a shift began to occur. I started exploring possibilities beyond my previous field.
Acceptance didn't come easily, but gradually, I realized this unexpected change could be an opportunity for growth. I enrolled in online courses to develop new skills and started networking with professionals in different industries. This exploration sparked a passion for a completely different field I hadn't considered before.
The Kubler-Ross model doesn't perfectly map every life experience, and my journey wasn't strictly linear. There were moments of regression and revisiting previous stages. However, applying the model provided a helpful framework for reflecting upon and processing the emotional rollercoaster of this unexpected change.
Here's what I learned from applying the Kubler-Ross model to my experience:
Acknowledge the Emotions:
Denial can be a temporary coping mechanism, but allowing ourselves to feel the full range of emotions associated with change is crucial. Ignoring or suppressing them can hinder the healing process.
Seek Support:
Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can provide a safe space to process emotions and gain perspective.
Don't Be Afraid to Explore:
Unexpected change can open doors to new possibilities. Stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring new avenues can lead to unexpected discoveries and growth.
