You got the job. The one you applied for on a whim at midnight after you reached your breaking point. Well, they called you back. And you went to three onsite interviews. And you got the job. Along with that job came a whopping 35% raise. That job is paying you 35% more than you were making in your current job. Let that sink in for a moment and then think about how you can be 35% better as a person when you walk through those new doors.

Leaving a job to start another gives you the chance to redefine yourself. Negotiating that pay bump isn’t just about adding to your take-home pay. Think about translating that bump into creating a more enhanced version of you.

A Crafted Life

Starting a new job, at a new company, means more than swapping out one Keurig for another. You’re embarking on meeting a whole batch of new people, navigating an entirely new commute, and figuring out the Office Politics Dance. There’s a reason that folks who jump to new jobs typically net an increase—it’s to help pad the stress and offer enticement to wandering into new territory.  Starting a new role is your chance to jumpstart a new habit, pick up a new tool, or modernize your appearance. People you worked with for five, six, or seven years knew you. Your predictable one-liners were always good for a groan at lunchtime. They knew your commuting backpack, your schedule, your routine. Now is your moment to choose to craft a New You. Instead of sitting at your desk every day glued to CNN while scarfing down lunch you can be the one making healthy choices that truly benefit you in the long run, like running off to the gym or going for a walk.  What an opportunity! Visualize a new way to present yourself to the world. Your habits, image, conversational ability, stress management tactics—pick an area and give yourself the gift of reflection to make yourself that much better.

Don’t stress about piling up a mound of debt registering for costly certification programs to help you realize your reinvention. Plenty of free options exist including  downloading thought-provoking podcasts that present new, timely perspectives. Checking out a book from the library on a current trend or new communications style is another way to flex your transition muscles.

A day, week, or short span of time is enough to download a new Podcast, pursue many of the fabulous, inspiring TED Talks,  or to visit Lynda.com to peruse numerous courses on business leadership, communications, and tools. Shifting your focus to enhance your skills instills a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence as you bust into a new office wondering who do I sit next to at lunch?

Reinvention is Free(ing)

Whether your overhaul is cosmetic, spiritual, or toolbox -oriented, you can control its cost and financial output. Maybe you were in your last role for over ten years—your choice of outfits and self-care was on auto-dial as you knew all of your colleagues and felt very comfortable in your decade-old desk and office environment. However, breaking out of that mold is a great time to yank open your closet doors and pitch the outfits you hated or the pants that really never were quite the right length. Get things tailored, shop sales, pitch items that didn’t work and come up with your unified closet that puts your best foot forward. You don’t have to run out and drop a ton of cash to realize your modernized outward presentation. Tossing outdated pieces and tailoring what you already have are great ways to modernize without breaking the budget.

Revel in YOU

Finally, look your next transition squarely in the eye with confidence. Yes, this new role may seem (several) ladder steps above your comfort zone. Yes, this new commute weaves you down unchartered highway lanes. But you got the job! An entire panel of experts brought you in and in today’s uber-selective job market that is amazing! Revel in the knowledge that YOU ARE THE ONE THEY SELECTED and face this new experience with confidence.

Take a few moments to remember why the company hired you. Jot down those reasons in a place you can quickly visit when you feel challenged or doubt that you have what it takes to be 35% better. You are who the company needs. This is the right job for you—you are exactly where you are supposed to be. And, you’ve got a new pair of boots to, well, boot!

WunderLand is always here to help you navigate this exciting—and daunting time of transitioning to a new role. And I’m here to help you as you build up your team, too once you get situated! Good Luck!