Why Change Feels Hard; Strategies for Navigating New Roles

Navigating Change: Careers, Growth, and Resilience in the Public Sector

Let’s be honest—change is everywhere. Whether it’s new technology, shifting policies, or just the evolving needs of our communities, public sector employees are feeling it more than ever. And while change can be tough, it also brings growth, opportunity, and fresh ways of thinking. I have recently had to navigate alot of change in my life including job searching, a move across the country, adapting to a different environment personally and professionally. In this piece, we’ll walk through how change affects careers and organizations—especially in government—and how people are adapting and even thriving.

How Change Impacts Careers

These days, changing jobs isn’t a big deal—it’s actually pretty common. In fact, a recent survey found that over half of U.S. professionals were actively job hunting in 2024 (Gallup, 2024). Reasons vary: some are chasing better pay, others want flexibility, and plenty are just burned out. Even in government roles, where stability used to be the norm, things are shifting. Budget cuts, new digital tools, and structural shake-ups mean roles are evolving fast.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—career transitions can be emotionally exhausting. People report feeling anxious, isolated, and unsure of their identity, especially when changes aren’t voluntary (Vough et al., 2021). It can be difficult depending on where we are in our careers to find that next step. That said, career changes can be a major growth moment. When folks make the leap—whether sideways or up—they tend to build new skills, expand their networks, and become more adaptable overall (Ng et al., 2005). So yes, it’s hard—but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Adapting to Career Change

So how do we actually do this? Adapting to change takes more than just a polished résumé. It’s about mindset, emotional regulation, and having a plan. Research highlights the power of personal branding—knowing your strengths, telling your story, and aligning with where the job market is headed (Gander et al., 2021). For someone in the public sector, that might mean shifting from a traditional admin role to something tech-forward, especially as digital se