PhD Colloquium: Dual Track

CouplesJune 28, 2012UC Berkeley

Yvonne Lefort, MACareer Coach/Intercultural

Trainerwww.yvonnelefort.net

RELOCATING IS A MAJOR

LIFE TRANSITION

Top Stressful Life Transitions

Death (spouse, family, friend) Marriage/Separation/Divorce Getting pregnant/having a child Changing employers/jobs/careers Spouse starting/ending work Beginning/ending school Change of residence Change in financial situation

Transitions Cycle

Endings

Neutral Zone

New Beginnings

Endings

Job/Professional Identity

Self-confidenceBelonging to a

communitySupport systemSocial/

Professional Network

Comfort level IndependenceStructure/routine

Challenges for Parents

Lack of family supportFinding affordable babysitting or

daycareMeeting other families with childrenDifferent schools/educational systemStress of parentingDealing with effect of moving on

children

Confusion/limboLoss/griefAnxiety/

DepressionRedefining sense of selfRealignment with

personal valuesOpportunity for

growth

Neutral Zone

“The Pit”

Renewed EnergySense of clarityNew

OpportunitiesTaking Action

NewBeginni

ng

Rebuilding Your Social Life

Get a paid job or volunteer workJoin organizationsTake classesNetworkCreate your own groupResources:

http://yvonnelefort.net/index.php/resources

Finding Volunteer Work

Benefits: fill gaps on resumemeet people and make contactscontribute expertisegain new skillsfind out about job openingsenhance self-esteem

Find volunteer jobs/organizations: www.helpnow.org,

www.volunteermatch.org

Finding A JobBegin with self-assessmentDevelop elevator pitch, update

resume, practice interviewingDevelop a job search strategy

Networking/informational interviewsDirect contact with employersAdvertisementsRecruiters

Job Search ResourcesCareer CentersLibrariesCareer CoachesChambers of

CommerceJob

clubs/support groups

Professional organizations

Social Media: Linkedin, Facebook

Company websitesGeneral job search

sitesArea-specific job

search sitesBusiness journals,

local newspapers, Book of Lists

Tips for Changing Careers

Assess interests, values, skillsExplore career alternativesIdentify and fill in gaps

upgrade or develop new skills/knowledgeInvestigate educational opportunitiesVolunteer, freelanceResources: Career coaches, career-

planning books

Nurturing Your Relationship

Make time for your relationshipThink like a teamTalk, talk, talkListen, listen, listenDevelop a culture of appreciationRemember to have fun!

Make A Plan

Create a vision for your life as individuals and as a couple

Set personal/professional goals short-range (6-12 months) medium-range (1-5 years) long-range (5+ years)

Final TipsTake responsibility for creating the

life you wantPrioritize your valuesBe open to new possibilitiesStep outside your comfort zoneSupport and appreciate each other