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Preparing for a Career Transition: Building Positive Relationships

  • Jan 19, 2025
  • 3 min read

Hands in a center huddle on top of each other
Hands in a center huddle on top of each other

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher." – Oprah Winfrey


Making a career change can feel like stepping into the unknown, but you don’t have to do it alone. Building a network of allies and supporters is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Whether it’s connecting with mentors, colleagues, or even peers in the same boat, having a community to lean on will boost your confidence, open new opportunities, and keep you motivated throughout your journey.


Case Study: Anne’s Career Transition

Anne, a 42-year-old project manager, felt stuck in a role she had outgrown. Though she wanted to transition into a career in HR, she lacked confidence and didn’t know where to start. After reaching out to her existing network on LinkedIn and joining a local HR professional group, Anne found two mentors and connected with individuals who had successfully made similar transitions.


These relationships gave her access to work-shadowing opportunities and insider advice on HR certifications, interview preparation, and workplace trends. With her community’s support, Anne rebuilt her confidence and landed a role as an HR Business Partner within nine months.


Why Relationships Enhance Career Change

Building relationships during a career change strengthens two essential components: motivation and access to information. Allies can share insights, challenge your thinking, and introduce opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own. Most importantly, they can help you see the possibilities ahead, keeping your momentum strong even when the journey feels tough.


Boosting Psychological Capital Through Community

Positive psychology highlights the importance of building psychological capital (PsyCap): hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals amplifies these qualities, giving you the courage to face challenges and maintain belief in your ability to succeed.


Enhancing PERMA Wellbeing

The PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) underlines how relationships can foster happiness and fulfilment during career transitions. By building a strong network, you create meaningful connections, increase your engagement, and celebrate milestones along the way, no matter how small or big!


The Career Change Process (Transtheoretical Model)

Moving through the stages of career change—from contemplation to preparation, action, and maintenance—requires support. Allies can keep you accountable, offer feedback, and inspire you to take meaningful action at every stage.


Key Takeaways

  1. Get comfortable reaching out. Your network is more valuable than you think.

  2. Refine your strategy. Speak with those who have walked your path to gain insights.

  3. Ask for work-shadowing opportunities. It’s a great way to explore potential roles.

  4. Let others know you exist. Visibility matters in any career transition.

  5. Recommit to your purpose. Reflect on your “why” when the journey feels tough.

  6. Collaborate for motivation. Partner with others to keep moving forward.


Career change is challenging, but staying in a role where you feel unfulfilled is harder. Take the first step today—your future self will thank you.


References

  • Archer, S., & Yates, J. (2017). "Understanding potential career changers' experience of career confidence following a positive psychology based coaching programme." Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 10(2), 157–175. Semantic Scholar


  • Avey, J. B., Luthans, F., & Jensen, S. M. (2009). "Psychological Capital: A Positive Resource for Combating Employee Stress and Turnover." Human Resource Management.


  • Cliff, D., & Gordon, C. (2019). "'A space to try things out': How career changers experience the benefits of a career change course." Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 12(1), 3–16. Semantic Scholar


  • Granovetter, M. S. (1973). "The Strength of Weak Ties." American Journal of Sociology.


  • Ibarra, H. (2003). Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career. Harvard Business Review Press.


  • LinkedIn Career Guide: A practical resource for building professional networks: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/


  • Luthans, F., Youssef, C. M., & Avolio, B. J. (2007). Psychological Capital: Developing the Human Competitive Edge. Oxford University Press.


  • Savickas, M. L. (2011). Career Counseling. American Psychological Association.


  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.

 
 
 

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