The Neutral Zone

March 2024. Stuff happens. TMS Americas wraps up business.

April 2024. I don't really need a job. Kind of like working though. n of team is born. We'll see what emerges...

The above came from the previous post in this category, Strategy With a Shovel. The above illustrate an ending and a beginning. There is an in between point however. Using Bridges transition model it's called the neutral zone.

I've been hanging out in that zone for a little while now. I do feel pressure to move on quickly. For me it feels important to be present to this neutral zone and not move too fast. That's probably a luxury, and I'll take it. I've been here before.

Spring 1997. Stuff happens. Our successful company sold some divisions to bigger players and downsizing of us overhead people was inevitable. My spouse went back to school. In 1980, 1988 and 1990 babies 2, 3 and 4 were born. I still needed a job. Pathways and Crossroads Consulting was born. Dial up internet was a thing.

When you leave an organization it can be surprising how quickly you seem to be forgotten. The most obvious sign of this forgetting is the lack of email from all those colleagues or clients. They kind of just stop.

I have not been forgotten. I have become temporarily irrelevant in the work world. Better that than forgotten I think! At least I can DO something to be relevant again in this work world. To try and be remembered is just irritating!

Hanging out in the neutral zone for me helps in clarifying what relevance will mean in this new beginning. That feels kind of exciting. It also helps me remember and celebrate what has ended; and also time to be a bit sad.

Clarity, exciting, remembering, celebration, sadness. Lots of paradox and opposites. No need for resolution. That's this neutral zone for me.

I wonder what this neutral zone has been like for you?

For another story on endings and beginnings, see this post.