You’ve let go of the old, but the new hasn’t shown up yet. Sound familiar? Whether it’s by choice or circumstance, the “in-between” can feel like a frustrating pause; but it may be exactly what you need.
The ‘In-Between Period’, sometimes referred to as ‘The Waiting Room’, is that uncertain space where the old chapter has ended, but the new one hasn’t yet begun. You may have entered this phase unexpectedly, perhaps due to a layoff, or you may have chosen it yourself, sensing a deeper need for change.
For many, this transitional time can feel deeply uncomfortable. There’s often a strong urge to either retreat to the familiar or to rush headfirst into the next opportunity. And understandably so; uncertainty is hard, especially when your identity is tightly woven into your career or when financial pressure adds to the stress.
But this in-between phase also holds immense value.
It’s a rare opportunity to pause, reconnect with what matters most, and realign your vision for the future. It’s a moment to explore forgotten passions, invest in personal growth, and design your next step with more clarity and purpose, on your own terms. Because only once we’ve created space by letting go of the old, can something new and aligned truly emerge.
I’ve noticed that younger generations, Millennials and Gen-Z, are becoming more at ease with career gaps. Their focus on purpose, impact, and well-being over purely monetary gain is reshaping how we view professional transitions. A career pause, when intentional, can be a bold and healthy step forward.
So if you’re currently in this in-between space and have the privilege of financial stability, consider using this time not as a setback, but as a gift. Reflect, dream, realign. And if it helps, work with a coach to guide that process.
Trust that the right next chapter will unfold in due time. And when it does, you might just look back and wish you had enjoyed this moment of pause a little more.