A couple of weeks before my daughter’s recent wedding, I had to move my home office to a new room. It was my third such move in five years and was triggered by ongoing house renovations as well as the imminent arrival of overseas wedding guests.
I wouldn’t recommend moving office at the same time as preparing for a big event, but I didn’t have a choice on this occasion. I knew that by the time I would be closing the door of my new office to take time off for the wedding, I wouldn’t have had enough time to get used to my new environment.
And I did come back to work feeling a little disorientated. Being in a smaller, darker room with less of a view made the adjustment process slightly more challenging. Then, right on cue, I also started with a fluey cold that had been making its way round the family and lo and behold, I found myself feeling quite demotivated and frustrated during my first week back at work.
Of course, going back to work after the wedding may not have easy anyway as a wedding is probably one of the biggest and happiest events in a mother’s life. Despite feeling immensely proud and happy on the day, I had also shed a tear or two. Seeing 25 years flashing in front of my eyes at one point, I did find my happiness tinged with a little sadness.
This reminds me of the fact that change can have two different faces. Whereas a wedding is a fundamentally happy occasion, it can also be a powerful and symbolic reminder for a mother that her role is changing. Acknowledging the sense of loss (even if only minor) that comes with a changing situation makes it so much easier to let go and move on.
Health restored, I’ve accepted my new office (the lack of a view has its advantages!) and my motivation has returned. However, I can’t help thinking of all the people I know who are currently trying to adjust to much more serious changes, perhaps as a result of changing their jobs, having been promoted or even made redundant. Then there are those who are expanding or downsizing their businesses, or may have to give up as a result of the recession. I recall from my own experiences that the long-term impact of change can often mean much more than a simple change of environment or circumstances. Financial situations can change too and coping with changing work relationships can be really difficult, particularly when you see less of close friends and good colleagues, or fear you may lose them altogether.
My message to you, no matter what personal or professional change you may be faced with, is that it pays to be prepared for a little upheaval and to get ready to take that first step. Accepting this learning as part of your personal development will not only help you grow in the long run but in the short term, it will help you appreciate and welcome any new opportunities coming your way.
Ute Wieczorek-King is a Business/Career Coach, Trainer, Facilitator and host of Success Network meetings
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