What’s Next When “What Do You Do” Isn’t Enough?

Photo by Susanna Marsiglia on Unsplash

When we browse through LinkedIn feeds, we’re likely to see numerous “Open to Work” banners as job seekers in transition search for their next big opportunity. Maybe they have separated from their jobs due to layoffs, restructurings (as in the 2025 reduction of the federal workforce that saw more than 317,000 people leave the government), retirement or other reasons.

For many of us, a big part of our identity centers on our jobs and a title that may confer a certain status. Our jobs and our career give us an innate sense of stability, financial security, and a clear definition of who we are.

But what happens when we’re suddenly separated from the jobs that created the sense of stability, and we lose that part of our identity?

How do we move forward and feel that we still matter and have value? The sudden shift may feel disorienting at first, with feelings of loss, anger, sadness and even betrayal, depending on the circumstances.

Changes and transitions, whether in our professional, or personal spaces, are a fact of life, according to speaker and Professor Emerita Dr. Nancy K. Schlossberg, who spent more than 25 years at the University of Maryland (https://www.transitionsthroughlife.com)

Schlossberg made her comments in a recent interview on Zoom, in which she described pivotal changes in her life. They included moving from the Washington, D.C. area to Michigan with her now-late husband, Steve, and back, and the emotions involved.

“Change can be scary or it can be a growth-producing situation. So much depends on your approach to change,” said Schlossberg, whose website describes her as being a distinguished educator and administrator in counseling psychology for nearly four decades. Schlossberg has authored several books on change, identity, transitions and retirement.

Schlossberg’s work has included the creation of a four-part Transition Theory that looks at how people perceive and manage these periods of change. The theory looks at the situation, along with the self, (or inner resources), support systems, and strategies (or coping mechanisms).

“Something’s happened to you,” she said.

“Ask yourself three questions. Can I change it? If I can’t change it, I’ve been fired, I can’t change it. Can I change the way I look at it? Yes. I could see it as an opportunity because who knows next?” Maybe this was a bad set. Maybe I have a chance to expand. So, can I change it? If not, can I change the way I see it? And whether or not, whichever of those two I choose, how can I learn to de-escalate my stress? What strategies do I have for stress reduction?”

In her book, “Overwhelmed, Coping with Life’s Ups and Downs,” Schlossberg says that if a transition is major, as in “having altered your roles, relationships, routines, and assumptions, you will be consumed with it at the beginning.” Then, she says, that in a middle period, “you will learn the ropes but still feel vulnerable,” before incorporating the transition.

Change and transition are subjects familiar to Nancy Levin, a podcaster, bestselling author of seven books that include “Jump … and your life will appear,” and founder of Levin Life Coach Academy. (Master Life Coach Trainer & Shadow Work Expert | Nancy Levin)

Levin, who has created a framework aimed at helping people as they navigate life changes, said, “Most of us wait for a crisis before we make change. The invitation here is to initiate change without waiting for the crisis. And if we want to make a change, we need to first be able to envision ourselves on the other side of that change.”

Speaking via Zoom, Levin also said, “We need to see how our life is going to be different. We need to really connect with our future self. We need to be able to see... We need to be able to know what it feels like to be on the other side of that change. We need to really hold the vision. And when I talk about vision, all I mean is our ideal set of desired circumstances.”

Levin, however, noted, that when a major change occurs, it provides an opportunity to make a fresh start and explore avenues that might not have been considered. In Levin’s case, the end of her marriage provided an impetus to chart a new course.

(Episode 242 Transcript: When the Life You Built No Longer Fits | Nancy Levin)

Levin said it is never too late to make a pivot as she recalled, “I spent 12 years as the event director at Hay House Publishing, founded by Louise Hay. And Louise founded the company when she was 60.

“And I always remember this. And I am 60 right now. So, I’m 60. And I always think about this because it’s never too late. What do we want to say? 60 is the new 30. And I really think we have an opportunity at this point in our lives to really double down and lean into what makes us come alive and share that with the world.”

In the case of retirees who have been closely identified with their work, Schlossberg suggested a “backup identity,” saying, “Finding another source of pleasure can make a difference.”

Schlossberg suggested taking advantage of opportunities to grow. Schlossberg, who is in her late 90s, takes joy in leading a discussion group in the Sarasota, Florida area. The group, known as Aging Rebels, is connected to what are known as Senior Friendship Centers, where seniors meet and greet, take classes and discuss topics related to aging.

“It’s been a very sustaining thing for me,” she said.

For all of us, change can seem overwhelming. How do you manage it?

Sources:

“Jump … and your life will appear” – Nancy Levin

My Path: “My Transitions” - Nancy K. Schlossberg

“Revitalizing Retirement – Reshaping Your Identity, Relationships, and Purpose” – Nancy K. Schlossberg

“Overwhelmed: Coping with Life’s Ups and Downs” – Nancy K. Schlossberg

Nancy Schlossberg Is a 95-Year-Old Rebel Who Isn’t Slowing Down | Sarasota Magazine

https://www.transitionsthroughlife.com

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