Transitions

Leaving a volunteer placement and community is a major transition. William Bridges, a renowned transition expert, presents a framework for understanding transition that may be helpful to you in understanding and making your transition. He makes an important distinction between change and transition. Change occurs outside of us, e.g., leaving a volunteer community or starting a new job. Transition is the internal adjustment we make as change occurs. Each change we experience must be accompanied by a transition in how we think and feel about ourselves, others, our priorities and actions. Below we present Bridge’s ideas about the three phases of transition, and suggest skills you may find helpful in making the transition from volunteering.

Phase 1: Letting Go
A transition begins when you acknowledge a loss and let go of a past identity. To successfully transition we need to deal adequately with endings, with their consequences, and with the risk of letting go.

Phase 2: The Neutral Zone
This is the time when the old way is gone, but your new identity is not yet clear. Marvelo

us growth is possible.

Phase 3: New Beginning
This final phase starts when you commit to new values, attitudes and a new identity. The new beginning is when we have made the interior conversions and convincingly see ourselves in a new role, relationship, or situation.


	"What's Next?" Introduction Transitions Letting Go The Neutral Zone A New Beginning Returning A Re-Entry Self Evaluation Decisions! Decisions! Where to Live Choosing a Career Finding a Job Pursuing an Advanced Degree Religious Vocations Incorporating Your Volunteer Experience Network of Formers Lifestyle Promoting Social Justice Participating in Parish Life Nurturing Your Post-Service Spirituality Participating in the Larger Church Getting Involved in Your Community About the Pallotti Center

Click on each phase to learn more!

For additional information and a list of great resources about managing transitions, check out Staying Connected...How to Make the Most of Your Life's Transitions, included in our Staying Connected archives.

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