Finding Balance in the Face of Career Transitions
Navigating career transitions can feel like traversing an unpredictable rock face—filled with uncertainty, steep challenges, and high stakes. The journey often requires introspection, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change. Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, a psychologist with two decades of experience, knows this path well. Her career evolution, shaped by her deep-rooted values, offers a powerful lesson in alignment, balance, and personal fulfillment.
The Intersection of Mind and Body: Lessons from Rock Climbing
Dr. Dragonette, an avid rock climber, has found that the principles of climbing closely mirror the process of career transitions. In both, strategy, focus, and overcoming fear play a crucial role. “There’s a lot of strategy and then working through fears, working through anxiety,” she explains.
When climbers ascend a rock face, they must stay fully present in the moment. “The world just kind of closes in, and it’s just about you and what’s in front of you,” says Dr. Dragonette. This intense focus on the present not only helps climbers manage fear but also offers a valuable lesson for navigating professional shifts.
When Anxiety Becomes a Guide, Not an Obstacle
Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, whether standing on the edge of a cliff or contemplating a major career change. Instead of seeing fear as a limitation, Dr. Dragonette believes it can serve as a guiding force. “We are supposed to be afraid when we're hundreds of feet up from the ground,” she says. That same fear—when channeled correctly—can keep us sharp, focused, and adaptable in our professional lives.
Too often, people allow anxiety to paralyze them rather than inform their next steps. But acknowledging and working through fear, just like in rock climbing, is a necessary part of navigating transitions.
The Psychology of Career Transitions
Dr. Dragonette’s own career journey reflects the principles she’s learned through climbing. Over the years, she moved through various leadership and therapeutic roles, eventually becoming the Executive Director at Newport Healthcare. In this position, she oversaw residential facilities for adolescents struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. It was a prestigious role—one that many would consider the pinnacle of success.
Yet despite the accomplishments, something felt off. “I was head down doing so much administrative work that I really had gotten so far away from what I wanted to be doing in my life,” she recalls. The disconnect between her daily responsibilities and her core values—connection, adventure, family, and learning—became impossible to ignore.
Making a Change: A Calculated Risk
Rather than push through the misalignment, Dr. Dragonette took a step back. She carried a notebook, documenting what she loved and what she didn’t about her role. This practice of self-reflection gave her clarity on what truly fulfilled her.
Still, doubt crept in. “Who do you think you are to be able to create a job that you love?” That inner voice of skepticism is one many professionals face when considering a career pivot. But with support from her husband and a clear vision, she mustered the courage to have an honest conversation with her CEO about her evolving aspirations.
To her surprise, the discussion was met with openness and flexibility. This willingness to take an initial step—however uncertain—ultimately allowed her to craft a career that aligned with her values.
Realignment Brings Fulfillment
Today, Dr. Dragonette focuses on the aspects of work that bring her the most joy: teaching, supervising therapists, and advocating for mental health awareness. “I've never been happier,” she shares. Her journey underscores the power of giving yourself permission to pivot and create a career that resonates with who you are.
For anyone feeling stuck in a career that no longer serves them, her story serves as a roadmap. It’s not about making reckless decisions but about taking intentional steps toward a life that aligns with your values.
Whether scaling a rock wall or climbing the corporate ladder, the key is the same: embrace the journey, trust yourself, and be willing to let go of what no longer fits. True fulfillment lies not in reaching a peak but in finding balance along the way.