If you develop these skills, you can be better equipped to cope with the pressures of your role, adapt to changes, and continue contrib- uting meaningfully to your work. Foster a Culture of Support and Open Communication Open communication with superiors and colleagues is one way to address and work through professional challenges. It is ben- eficial for you as an employee to feel heard and valued. Consider initiating regular check-ins with your managers or colleagues to provide an opportunity to share feedback, concerns, and ideas. By being transparent about challenges you face—both profes- sional and personal—you can create an open dialogue that can help manage stress and identify solutions more effectively. Additionally, seeking out an open-door pol- icy with supervisors allows for easier com- munication, ensuring that any concerns are managed promptly. Further, focus on cultivating meaning- ful connections with coworkers to create supportive partnerships and allies. You can achieve this cultivation with routine meet- ings, casual chats, and the celebration of successes. These activities can promote a positive workplace atmosphere, encour- age teamwork, and strengthen professional relationships. By taking these actions, you can foster an environment where you feel supported, engaged, and better equipped to manage challenges. Invest in Your Well-Being It is important to advocate for your well-being and find ways to stay calm when work or life becomes overwhelming. Taking care of your- self—physically and mentally—is essential for your overall quality of life. Music, yoga, meditation, and even short walks can calm your mind, while sports, workouts, stretches, and other physical activities can invigorate your body. Wellness practices, including stress man- agement workshops or seeking professional counseling, encourage self-care and support you in staying balanced and focused. If you find your workload is causing stress, consider being flexible in managing your time, such as adjusting your schedule or finding a balance between work and personal life. When you take steps to support your life balance, you
become more resilient and better equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
social media accounts. Next, reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts to inform them of your situation and seek advice, job leads, or connections to potential opportunities. It is also helpful to seek support from a career coach or use job search services and consider exploring unemployment benefits or other support pro- grams available to you. It is equally valuable to have a “what if” plan—knowing how you might pivot if the worst situation becomes reality. Stay con- nected with others in your profession. NEHA provides many ways to do so. Use your time to focus on professional development by upgrading your skills, earning certifications, or taking online courses to make yourself more marketable to future employers. Becom- ing involved, writing, and volunteering are important to your career as they help build valuable skills, expand your professional net- work, and demonstrate initiative, all of which can not only fill a void but also enhance career growth and opportunities. Lastly, maintain a positive mindset throughout the process to stay motivated and energized as you navigate your job search. Life sometimes is uncertain. History has, however, shown us that environmental health opportunities abound. Environmental health is a valuable and rewarding career, and you are important to the profession. Whatever the challenge, NEHA and the American Academy of Sani- tarians (AAS) are poised to help support you and the profession as we move forward toward sustainable solutions for a strong and durable environmental health workforce. Acknowledgment: Thank you to Eric Brad- ley, Jessica Otto, Vince Radke, and Michéle Samarya-Timm for their contributions to this column. Corresponding Author: American Academy of Sanitarians, https://sanitarians.org. Email: aasanitarians@gmail.com References American Psychological Association. (2025). 2023 work in America survey . https://www. apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/ 2023-workplace-health-well-being
Seek Out Opportunities for Skill Development
Engaging in personal development is a pow- erful way to foster adaptability and growth. When you focus on upskilling or reskilling, you empower yourself and feel more capable of handling new challenges. Continuous learning helps you stay current with emerg- ing trends or technologies, making you more adaptable. By seeking out training programs, work- shops, or mentorship opportunities, you can expand your skill set, become more flexible, and gain the confidence to tackle new tasks. Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning not only keeps you motivated and engaged but also prepares you to navigate uncertainties and challenges. New expertise and a broad focus can ultimately lead to career satisfac- tion and long-term personal success. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose and Connection Having a clear sense of purpose is essential for staying motivated, especially during dif- ficult times. When you understand how your personal goals align with your values, it becomes easier to remain focused on long- term objectives. Connecting your daily tasks to a bigger picture helps foster a deeper sense of meaning and strengthens your emotional investment in your work. This sense of purpose not only drives moti- vation but also helps you persevere through setbacks and adapt to changes. By recogniz- ing how your role in environmental health contributes to your personal growth or the well-being of others, you can find greater fulfillment in your career, making it easier to stay committed and motivated even when facing uncertainty. Practical steps include regularly reflecting on your values, setting personal goals, and finding ways to connect your tasks to your broader sense of purpose. Pivot for a Bright Future If your job is at risk of being eliminated, there are several key steps you can take to move forward. Start by creating a list that highlights your achievements, skills, and experience from your current job. Use this information to update your resume and your
continued on page 42
39
May 2025 • Journal of Environmental Health
Powered by FlippingBook