The last few years of my life have been a state of transition. I moved to a new state with my husband right before the pandemic. There, I started a new position and worked hard to progress up the chain. Four years later, and about a year after having our daughter, my priorities changed. My husband and I decided that it would be best for our family for me to pursue a more flexible opportunity, and I began searching for a part-time role.

While I knew this was what I wanted, to say the transition hit me hard would be an understatement. I actively sought ways to feel more like myself again. After over a decade of my life and identity defined by work and the external validation that came with it, it was a significant adjustment to being a part-time stay-at-home mom and part-time job seeker.

This experience is relatable to many women at various stages of transition in their lives. New job, career break, going back to school, moving cities, new baby, the list goes on. As women, we take on many roles in our lives, and as such, it’s no surprise that identity crises sometimes pop up along the way. 

I eventually found an excellent part-time position and am enjoying having more time to spend with my mini and taking a step back from the corporate ladder. While transitions are never easy, these steps helped me maintain (and learn about) who I am during the process.

Here are six tips for maintaining your sense of self during a time of transition:

  1. Get involved–It’s remarkable how much perspective you can gain from getting involved in your local community and feeling a part of something bigger than yourself. I looked for a council that interested me and joined as a board member, but there are many different ways to do this. Join a local nonprofit, sign up for a standing volunteer position, or start something yourself! Dedicating even a few hours a month could make a significant impact on those around you while also being beneficial for building and maintaining your sense of self.
  2. Set a routine–In the depths of job hunting, having just moved to a new place, or even during the postpartum period, setting some semblance of a routine helps me so much during times of transition. Applying even a very light schedule will help your days feel more structured and allow you to feel more in control and like yourself.
  3. Aim for a long-term goal–As soon as I left my full-time job, I started training for a half-marathon. The multi-month goal was great for keeping me focused on something new and outside of work. If running isn’t for you, perhaps the number of books you want to read or coffee shops you want to visit in the next x months might be more your style.
  4. Learn something new– I took a stained-glass class and a photography class through my town. Getting creative, learning about something we’ve always wanted to, or revisiting a previous passion that has been dormant is a great way to look inward and feel more like yourself. Often, towns or cities will offer classes like this at an affordable price, or you can look up a private studio in your area.
  5. Look for community–Look for others in similar stages of life. Meet-up groups, mom groups, networking events, book clubs, or Hatch Creative events are all great places to meet like-minded people. Meeting others with similar interests or who are at a similar stage in life will help you build a community, and conversations with others often spark internal reflection. If you’re nervous about attending a group event, remember that others are usually there for the same reasons you are.
  6. Get some sunshine–whether it’s taking your lunch outside, going for a walk, or even just sitting near an open window. Getting a little sun and fresh air helps with just about anything and can remind you that this is simply a stage. Pop in your favorite podcast or an audiobook, and you’re sure to feel a bit more like yourself.

I hope these tips benefit you during the next period of transition in your life, not only helping you maintain your sense of self but also improving and expanding it as you continue to grow on your journey.