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7 Tips for Managing Time during a Life Transition

by Cathy Goodwin

You just moved to Chicago but you're making appointments in New York time. Your living room looks like a warehouse (although the cats think you've built them a playground.)

Or you opened your new business and you keep waiting for someone to send you an assignment and order the coffee.

Or you've started a new career and can't figure out what you're supposed to do today - or who to ask for help.

Whether you move, start a new job, add a new family member, or go back to school, your sense of time changes. You used to be a hyper-organized, fast-track professional. Now time disappears. Your careful scheduling keeps getting derailed. Maybe you can't even find your appointment book.

When your life flows smoothly, you have the luxury of saying, "Wait till I finish this project. I need to concentrate." But during a transition, nearly everyone's life begins to resemble three-ring circus.

1. Don't stop!

Clients can be puzzled when I urge them to continue working with me, even though they tired and overwhelmed. "Don't stop the job search," I advise. "Work on your new marketing campaign. Keep some momentum going.

2. Keep commitments, even when you feel exhausted.

Staying focused, having fun and keeping commitments can bring new energy. While I was writing my book, Making the Big Move, I was invited to interview for a new job in Florida, a thousand miles away. I flew down for the interview, accepted the job, and relocated from Philadelphia with two cats.

And I kept writing. The word processor began to feel like an old friend and my manuscript was a conversation that kept going.

3. Allow extra time for every item on your "To Do" list.

For some reason, time moves faster when you're caught up in a transition. A half hour task can take a full hour...or two or three. Your rhythm will be off.

Even grocery shopping will take longer because you can't zip around the store the way you used to. The produce section? Hidden in the back, not off to the side like your old store.

4. Respect your feelings.

Many people are surprised to find themselves feeling sad, even if they couldn't wait to leave their last job or city. Others feel guilty when they feel happy, recognizing others were not so fortunate during a job search or move.

Of course, if you're extremely depressed or anxious, you have to fine a professional therapist. And if you feel you want to delve into feelings and talk intensely, choose a professional. During a transition, it's easy to be vulnerable and difficult to choose confidantes wisely.

5. Get lots of information. Then get more.

Information isn't a bit glamorous, but it's the One Best Way to save time and money.

Moving to a new town? Your first priority is to learn what's available and where - and how to take a shortcut to get there.

New job? Learn what's important and what can be ignored.

The biggest time-waster, of course, is making the wrong choice. Choose a job (or a town) where you're a misfit and you'll re-invest time and energy making a new move. Back to school? Any program that promises a short cut often turns out to be a long detour.

6. Hire help with the new stuff.

Often you can outsource your biggest time sink. At the simplest level, you can hire a service to clean your house and yard before you move. But many people are surprised to learn how many business owners and corporate executives hire their own support team.

For instance, a newly promoted senior executive hired me to help him create a written report. Savvy business owners invest substantial sums to learn new skills -- and to get help when learning isn't a good use of their own time.

7. Make leisure a priority.

Most likely you're really busy during a time of transition. But schedule time for a movie, a hike in the country, time with people you care about - whatever adds a surge of energy to your soul.

Take the dog for an extra walk. You'll both feel more energized and who knows? You just might meet someone who holds the key to success in your next life.

About the author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps midlife professionals create career changes, start a business or start over. Weekly Fr^e Ezine: Great *Second* Careers Start Here mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com Phone: 206-285-2172 21 Days to a Time Management Makeover http://www.cathygoodwin.com/timebook.html

Contact mailto:cathy@cathygoodwin.com

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