1. PhD Colloquium:
DualTrack Couples
June 28, 2012
UC Berkeley
Yvonne Lefort, MA
Career Coach/Intercultural Trainer
www.yvonnelefort.net

2. RELOCATING
IS A MAJOR
LIFETRANSITION

3. Top Stressful LifeTransitions
 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

4. Transitions Cycle
Endings
Neutral Zone
New
Beginnings

5. Endings
 Job/Professional
Identity
 Self-confidence
 Belonging to a
community
 Support system
 Social/Professional
Network
 Comfort level
 Independence
 Structure/routine

6. Challenges for Parents
 Lack of family support
 Finding affordable babysitting or daycare
 Meeting other families with children
 Different schools/educational system
 Stress of parenting
 Dealing with effect of moving on children

7.  Confusion/limbo
 Loss/grief
 Anxiety/Depression
 Redefining sense
of self
 Realignment with
personal values
 Opportunity for growth
Neutral
Zone
“The Pit”

8.  Renewed Energy
 Sense of clarity
 New Opportunities
 Taking Action
New
Beginning

9. RebuildingYour Social Life
 Get a paid job or volunteer work
 Join organizations
 Take classes
 Network
 Create your own group
 Resources:
http://yvonnelefort.net/index.php/resources

10. FindingVolunteer Work
 Benefits:
 fill gaps on resume
 meet people and make contacts
 contribute expertise
 gain new skills
 find out about job openings
 enhance self-esteem
 Find volunteer jobs/organizations:
 www.helpnow.org, www.volunteermatch.org

11. Finding A Job
 Begin with self-assessment
 Develop elevator pitch, update resume,
practice interviewing
 Develop a job search strategy
 Networking/informational interviews
 Direct contact with employers
 Advertisements
 Recruiters

12. Job Search Resources
 Career Centers
 Libraries
 Career Coaches
 Chambers of
Commerce
 Job clubs/support
groups
 Professional
organizations
 Social Media:
Linkedin, Facebook
 Company websites
 General job search sites
 Area-specific job search
sites
 Business journals, local
newspapers, Book of Lists

13. Tips for Changing Careers
 Assess interests, values, skills
 Explore career alternatives
 Identify and fill in gaps
 upgrade or develop new skills/knowledge
 Investigate educational opportunities
 Volunteer, freelance
 Resources: Career coaches, career-planning books

14. NurturingYour Relationship
 Make time for your relationship
 Think like a team
 Talk, talk, talk
 Listen, listen, listen
 Develop a culture of appreciation
 Remember to have fun!

15. 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)

16. FinalTips
 Take responsibility for creating the life you
want
 Prioritize your values
 Be open to new possibilities
 Step outside your comfort zone
 Support and appreciate each other