What to Do When Your Job Changes Suddenly - The Muse

What to Do When Your Job Changes Suddenly - The MuseWhat to Do When Your Job Changes Suddenly Youre in a groove at work and everything feels about as normal as it could- and then suddenly, you find out that your list of responsibilities is changing dramatically. Its jarring, I know.When this happened to me a few years ago, I had no idea how to process it. Because Im the poster child for impostor syndrome, I took it as a clear indication that I was doing a terrible job at work. But after spending nearly three more years at the company, I realized that I was being ridiculous.Still, its completely understandable to freak out a bit when this happens to you. So before you jump to any conclusions, take these steps.Step Away From Your Desk and BreatheIm not always the best at taking a beat before responding to new information, especially when it comes to my job. But Ive realized that when Im intentional about stepping away for a few minutes, even if its just to grab a cup of coffee, Im able to communicate how Im feeling much more effectively. And I get it- sometimes you just want to jump up from your seat and say, This is insulting I demand more information about why my role changed overnight But trust me, theres a lot of value in giving yourself a breather. When my responsibilities suddenly changed a few years ago, I took a short stroll around the neighborhood to clear my mind. And while it didnt necessarily solve any of my problems, it kept me from lashing out in a way that wouldnt have been productive for anyone involved. After all, its only natural to want to flip your desk (oh? Only me?) when you learn your day-to-day is about to change. But instead of panicking, take a quick walk- itll make a difference, I swear.Write Down Your New ResponsibilitiesHow often do you hear something is changing at work and immediately assume that its because youre being demoted? Im sure there are some of you out there who dont jump straight to this conclusion, but Id be lying if I h avent landed on it more than once over the course of my career. And even though this fear might be based on reality, you wont know that until you take some time to evaluate whats changing. Heres what I did when that previous job of mine changed over the course of a weekend. I took out a pen and pad and wrote down each one of my new responsibilities. I didnt try to analyze them too deeply. I just wanted to write them down so I could look at them in an easy-to-read list. And once I did that, I realized that not much about my life was changing. Sure, I was moving to a different team, but the work Id be doing lined up with my skills in a more practical way. Of course, depending on your situation, the results of this exercise will vary. However, knowing just how drastically your day-to-days changing will give you a better idea of what to expect and whether this can be considered positive growth or a red flag as to your current standing at the company.Decide if These Changes Still Align W ith Your Career GoalsAt the end of the day, change is hard. On top of that, its challenging not to brace yourself for a period in which youre miserable and cant see a way out. While a lot of people in your life will tell you to Be a trooper and just roll with the punches, its also important for you to evaluate whether or not this still aligns with your career goals. Sure, you might find that even though things changed overnight, your job is still relevant to what you want to be doing for the long-term. But if you realize that your role changed overnight and no longer leads you down the path you want to be on, thats perfectly OK. If youre able to be transparent with your boss, dont be afraid to discuss how you feel with her. But if you work for someone you know wouldnt want to hear about it, youre not breaking any rules by considering new jobs that put you back on the career path you want. Change at work is never easy for anyone, even if it ends up meaning exciting things for your ca reer. Its especially difficult for most people when it happens overnight. But before you act on any of your initial feelings, take a second to evaluate the situation. Of course, you might confirm your fears about whats happening. But you also might discover that its a boost to your skill set. And either way, being patient and thinking through the situation will help you proceed in a much more productive way.