What to Do If Your Job Changes Overnight
You’re in a groove at work, and everything seems as normal as it could – and then suddenly you find that your list of responsibilities changes dramatically. I know this is unpleasant.
This post was originally published on the Muse website .
When this happened to me a few years ago, I had no idea how to deal with it. Since I am a model of Impostor Syndrome , I took this as a clear indication that I was doing a terrible job at work. But after working for the company for almost three more years, I realized that I was being ridiculous.
However, it’s understandable that you can get a little scared when this happens to you. Therefore, before drawing any conclusions, take the following measures.
Get away from the table and breathe
I’m not always the best at responding to new information, especially when it comes to my job. But I realized that when I intend to step back for a few minutes, even if it’s just a cup of coffee, I can convey my feelings much more effectively. And I understand – sometimes you just want to jump up from your seat and say: “This is insulting! I need more information on why my role changed overnight! “
But trust me, giving yourself a break is very valuable. When my responsibilities suddenly changed a few years ago, I took a short walk around the neighborhood to clear my mind. While this did not necessarily solve any of my problems, it deterred me from attacks that would not be productive for any of the participants.
After all, it’s natural to want to flip your table (oh? Just me?) When you find out that your daily life is about to change. But instead of panicking, take a quick walk – I swear this will change everything.
Write down your new responsibilities
How often do you hear that something is changing at work, and immediately think that this is due to the fact that you are being demoted? I’m sure there are some of you who don’t immediately come to this conclusion, but I would be lying if I hadn’t done this more than once in my career. And even if this fear may be based on reality, you won’t know it until you take some time to appreciate what is changing.
Here’s what I did when my previous job changed over the weekend. I took out a pen and notebook and jotted down all my new responsibilities. I have not tried to analyze them too deeply. I just wanted to jot them down so I can view them in an easy-to-read list.
And as soon as I did that, I realized that little had changed in my life. Of course, I moved to a different team, but the work I was doing matched my skills in a more practical way. Of course, the results of this exercise will vary depending on your situation. However, knowing how radically your day-to-day affairs are changing will give you a better idea of what to expect and whether this can be considered positive growth or a red flag for your current position in the company.
Decide if these changes are in line with your career goals
After all, change is hard. On top of that, it’s hard not to prepare for the times when you are unhappy and see no way out.
While many people in your life will tell you to “be a soldier” and just fight back, it is also important for you to assess whether this is in line with your career goals. Of course, you may find that even if things changed overnight, your work is still relevant to what you want to do in the long run. But if you realize that your role has changed in the blink of an eye and is no longer leading you down the path you want to go, that’s perfectly fine.
If you can be honest with your boss, don’t be afraid to discuss your feelings with her. But if you’re working for someone you know wouldn’t want to hear about it, you’re not breaking any rules by considering new jobs that will put you back on your desired career path.
Job changes are never easy for everyone, even if they ultimately mean exciting things for your career. It is especially difficult for most people when it happens overnight. But before you act on any of your initial sensations, take a second to assess the situation. Of course, you can confirm your concerns about what is happening. But you may also find it enhances your skills.
Either way, being patient and thinking about the situation will help you be more productive.