Next, you need to Adjust as you go. I can assure you that not everything will fall into place as you would like it during this time. For example, you will see the perfect job listed or someone will tell you about it. You will apply and you’ll get an interview (and then another and maybe another). During this time you will begin to “see” yourself in this job. You will be so confident that this job is going to be yours and then it will happen. You will get that rejection letter and you will be back at square one.

Remember, when one door closes another opens! You have to ready to turn on a dime and be ready to head toward that open door. This will happen again and again and again and again. Your ability to not allow the door that just closed to affect you in a negative way, although difficult, will be the difference between success and failure.

You may also need to adjust in different ways to meet your employment needs. For example, you may need to adjust your career trajectory in order to secure another position. This is not such a bad thing. Think of if as an opportunity to utilize your knowledge, skills and abilities in a new and different way or in a different industry. Your ability to take be nimble and recognize opportunities when they present themselves will be important as you move forward in your career.

I have worked with so many professionals who have been in one industry or one job for such a long time that as soon as they lose that job, the first thing that they do is look for the same job with a different company. It is always amazing to me, as a counselor, how difficult it is for these very talented and educated individuals to “see” how their skills and talents may be applicable in a different industry. So take off those blinders and open your mind…don’t ignore an open door just because it may not be in your comfort zone.