This message is for anyone who’s going through big changes right now.

Oh, that’s all of us? Cool.

Let me be even more specific, then:

This message is for anyone who’s found themselves crying because of these big changes, in front of someone, and has instinctually said, “I’m sorry.”

You do not need to apologize.

Your feelings are normal. You are normal.

I’ve been the cryer. I’ve been the holder-of-space-for-the-cryer. Would you believe that many of my clients cry during our first conversation? And 100% of them apologize for their tears. Even though I tell them that crying is not only okay—it’s an important part of the process.

​People come to me for coaching when they know that something needs to change in their careers, and the lives they support. Together, we figure out what that change is (change your environment, change yourself, or a combo?), and how to get them from here to there.

They cry because they’re grieving.

“What?! Who died?!”

No one died. Let me explain.

We know, intellectually, that “change is the only constant” and change and growth go hand-in-hand. We know that change can lead us to an even better, brighter future…

But change also means loss. Yes, even if you’re choosing to make the change. If you’re anything like my clients, you may be grieving the loss of:

😢 Stability and security after a layoff, acquisition, or reorg
😢 Your old teammates, since starting at an exciting new company
😢 Friend-like colleagues, now that you’re in a badass leadership role
😢 Bi-weekly paycheck, since going all in on your business
😢 Your ability to give 110% to work, now that you’re a loving parent

And if you’re a passionate powerhouse (my peeps!) who’s been feeling trapped, stuck, or stalled for awhile, I’m willing to bet you’re grieving the loss of the version of yourself that knew exactly what you wanted, and exactly how to get there…

Usually my newsletters are filled with actionable tips. But I’m not gonna hit you with a “Top 10 Life Hacks To Manage Career Change Grief” BuzzFeed listicle.

Because I have one single thing to say today:

If you’re changing, you’re grieving. Judging or suppressing your feelings will keep you stuck. But when you let your tears flow, you wash away the clouds, so you have the clarity you need to move forward confidently.

So let it flow—in front of people who’ve demonstrated that they deserve your vulnerability.

Onward!
Grace

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