6 Tips for Maintaining a Sense of Self During a Time of Transition

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:

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.