Lost in Transition? Why Your Experience Is Still Needed

When a role ends, especially in a field where you’ve dedicated years of your life, the transition can feel overwhelming. The moment you’re no longer part of a team, your mind begins racing: Will I find another role? Will my skills still be valued? What if the opportunities are shrinking?

As a life coach, I recently spoke with a client who applied to more than 70 positions without being invited to a single interview. That silence can be crushing. And it’s understandable, right now many professionals are searching for opportunities in a system that is offering fewer of them. Competition is intense, and even the most qualified people find themselves waiting longer than expected.

Your thoughts might sound like this: There are too many skilled people out there. The sector is tightening. Maybe I don’t measure up. If that’s you, know this: those feelings are natural. They’re your brain’s way of scanning for risks and trying to protect you. But instead of preparing you, it often leaves you stuck in fear.

The first step is to pause and breathe.

It’s okay to acknowledge the fear, it’s valid. But it’s also important to bring yourself back to the present moment. Ask: What is actually true right now?

The truth is, you’re not starting from zero. You’ve worked in complex, demanding environments. You’ve built skills in coordination, program design, protection, logistics, partnerships, the list is long. You’ve learned to adapt, lead, and deliver under pressure. Those experiences don’t disappear when a contract ends. They remain with you, ready for the next chapter.

What I see often with my clients is this: fear takes the wheel. Out of panic, they apply to everything possible, hoping something sticks. But fear-driven action rarely creates the best results. It drains energy and deepens anxiety.

A more helpful approach is to step back. Reflect on where your skills can make the greatest impact. Be open to opportunities both within and outside the familiar system. Beyond international organizations, many find meaningful roles with local NGOs, community-based initiatives, social enterprises, consulting, academia, or even private sector programs focused on sustainability and social impact. Sometimes the most fulfilling path appears where you least expect it.

And don’t do this alone. Reach out to peers, mentors, or friends who understand. Talk through your fears. Or try journaling, writing down your thoughts can turn tangled worries into something more manageable.

Finding your next role may take longer than you hoped, but it will come. The world still needs the experience and perspective you carry. You’ve already proven your strength in serving others; now it’s time to extend that same compassion and patience to yourself.

Breathe. Recenter. Stay hopeful. Your skills still matter, and your next opportunity will find its way.