2.0 is a technology term that means " a revised or improved version of the original." What if "Transition Planning 2.0" – learning how to be adaptable – were a required course, like home economics, shop or sex education?
Even if some people had the same job or career throughout their adult life, most of us will need to change gears at some point, work shorter hours, take more breaks or totally change how we lead our life every day, especially if we want to set a good example for our adult children or other younger adults (I do, do you?)
As a life transitions counselor, certified at the University of San Francisco in 1995, as part of my Masters in Counseling Program, I figured I better learn how to manage transitions since I had already served in several professions (teacher, retailer, editor, writer) and was about to engage in a new profession (career counselor).
.As I proceeded to provide career and life transition counseling for university students throughout the latter half of the 90s, and into the 21st century, I earned a few more certifications to help individuals in transition, such as Richard Knowdell's Career Planning and Adult Development Network Coaching Certificate, and used his sorts (skills, values, interests, personal style) to help clients identify their strengths. I also studied Fanita English's Inner Motivation Model and other transition models. Then I developed my own Tightrope Artist Model of Managing Career and Life Decisions, in which I added to identifying your skills, interest, values, personality, and inner motivations, the following dimensions: preferred environment, family influences, and learning style.
Over the years, especially the past decade, I have experienced the transitioning of loved ones, both old and young, from this world. When she was 93, my mother, lying in her hospice bed, said she wanted to die and asked me how to die. I replied, "I don't know, Mom, but we'll get other's opinions." When Cousin Susie called, I said,"Susie, Aunt Eve wants to know how to die." Susie responded, "Peacefully." When my son Eli called, I said, "Eli, Grandma wants to know how to die." He responded, "Happily." Mom giggled and died 10 days later in peace. When Livy, my not-yet-five year old granddaughter, transitioned from this world last year today, I was not prepared to manage her passing gracefully. I grieve her loss every day. She is always with me, reminding me to appreciate the present, value each day, and experience life through the senses, instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past. Livy liked to play, as does her 3-year old younger brother Sage. From my grandchildren, I learned and continue to learn how to play.
Rich Feller, a former president of the National Career Development Association, recently came out with "Who You Are Matters," a transitions game that he developed with Mark Franklin, his partner, Since I transitioned this year from an intensive stint in the eldercare field, I ordered the game and set up a date to practice it with friends and colleagues. I'm in the first group of baby boomers leaving the all-encompassing world of work. I am moving into another way of living that includes more exercise, peace of mind, slowing down, focusing on what's really important, and setting a good example for my adult children, grandchild and other generations.
Welcome to 2018 Transition Planning 2.0, where we learn and play together, identify our strengths, share our stories and move forward on our life journey.. More....LinkedIn or FaceBook.