S
Sense
Begin to sense a need for change
H
Hone
Hone your understanding of your current state
I
Initiate
Initiate experimenting with new initiatives and opportunities
F
Formulate
Thoughtfully formulate your plan for what's next
T
Transition
Confidently transition into the next chapter
The Shift Model represents the typical phases people go through in their journey to make career changes. The stages are not necessarily linear, and you may see yourself in multiple stages.
S
Sense
H
Hone
I
Initiate
F
Formulate
T
Transition
SENSE
Begin to sense a need for change.
You’re starting to sense that something needs to change, but you may not be sure what it is. You may notice niggling feelings of dissatisfaction, and/or disillusionment with your current work or situation surrounding it. You might be sensing the possibility that something else is out there for you - and that may or may not be a welcome feeling.
HONE
Hone your understanding of your current state and your needs.
You begin to reevaluate what you’re getting (and not getting) out of your current work, and where your strengths can be best utilized. You simultaneously are considering your true wants and needs in these areas: finances, benefits, relationships, professional identity. You might also feel confused, unsure or unsettled.
INITIATE
Initiate a search and cycle of experimentation for new, initiatives and opportunities.
You’re getting curious about other work options, and people who have successfully made transitions. After researching options, projects, opportunities (including within your current organization), you have a clearer sense of what you’d like to try, and you begin to experiment. In many cases, this looks like initiating projects beyond your current work. Self-doubt and uncertainty may also creep in.
FORMULATE
Thoughtfully formulate your plan for what’s next.
You’re ready to commit to a decision after thoughtfully considering the results of your research and experimentation. You create a plan for your next move which might look like: recommitting to your current work with a new focus and renewed energy, deciding to do something completely different (including taking a break/sabbatical), or searching for a new opportunity in your current field.
TRANSITION
Confidently transition into the next chapter.
You’re ready to transition, putting the plan you’ve formulated into action. This could include accepting what your current job offers and finding new behaviors and practices to support you and best put your strengths to use. Alternatively, it could look like finding a new community or network to support substantial life changes.