About Transition-U

Deb Hansen is the creator and owner of Transition-U. She is a baby-boomer and a soccer mom who loves camping and hiking in pristine wilderness.

Deb has an undergraduate degree in psychology, an MBA, and over 30 years of business experience. She trained at the prestigious Coaches Training Institute and earned her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-active Coach Credential) in 2005. She is a member of the International Coach Federation and the Association of Career Planning Professionals. Her clients appreciate her unique combination of intellect, intuition, and improvisation. She is a trusted advisor and guide.

Deb is a natural collaborator who enjoys working with other coaches, trainers and facilitators. One of her current collaborations is with the non-profit, Comstock Community Center, creating a program for baby-boomers in transition and adults in career crisis.

Services Transition-U Provides

The International Coach Federation defines coaching as an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, organizations, or businesses. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.

Personal Coaching is for individuals who wish to work one on one with a coach to manage a life transition, create more balance in their lives, improve their self-confidence, or discover their life purpose. Sessions typically occur two to three times a month for a minimum of three months.

Laser coaching is for individuals who are very clear on their focus and what they want, but are having trouble taking the steps to accomplish it. Sessions are on an as needed basis.

Group coaching is typically for individuals who are wanting coaching around a particular topic and are comfortable with sharing in a group environment. Topics are usually explored over six weeks and can either be over the phone or in person.

For those in the Comstock, Michigan area, a workshop on Transition for Baby Boomers is currently enrolling at the Comstock Community Center.

On-line classes, coming soon.

How to Reinvent Your Career

Are you an employee, entrepreneur or manager who suddenly finds it necessary to reinvent your career due to the economy, a layoff or going out of business? Or, do these uncertain times simply inspire you to make a change?

If so, you may wonder if you can make a fresh start without having to start over.

The good news is, you can. Here's how:

Feel Your Feelings...

Get angry or frustrated or confused or scared or excited.... It's natural and healthy. No need for the stiff upper lip. Also no need to deny any enthusiasm. Respect your feelings, and then move forward.

Inventory Your Passions

Ask yourself (or someone you trust): What do I like about me? What do I do better than anyone else? What do I own or use that makes me unique, whether it's the tone of my voice or jazz collection or...?

The Value of Values

Discovering what we value can be elusive especially under the influences of the "shoulds" from society and loved ones. It can help to ask yourself, what is most important to me? Security? Freedom? Independence? Money?

Having Strengths is Not Enough

Know your strengths, yes, AND remind work contacts and networking buddies where you excel. Be visible. How? Listen to and collaborate with others; share your ideas; if you're working, participate in meetings and accept projects that highlight your skills.

Say "Yes" to Everything

Saying "yes" to all opportunities is a powerful expression of self-confidence. It attracts more (and better) opportunities and choices--you can always change your mind.

Transferable Skills

Instead of starting something entirely new, you can start by building on what you already know/have done. From accountant try a transition into financial planning; from teacher to social worker; from real estate agent to tour guide, etc. If it worked for you in the past, it could serve you well now.

The Secret to Reinvention

Don't know what to "change into?" That's okay. The only way to find out is to experiment. Volunteer, job shadow, temp or take part-time work in a field you've always been curious about as a career. The best place to start is to follow whatever you're drawn to--trust your instincts.

Find Support

You're not alone. There are always others in a similar position as you. This is no time to be isolated. Networking with others via job-hunting groups, small-business groups and manager support networks leads to new opportunities. Letting people know you're looking for work or customers is not begging, it's marketing.

Turn Lemons into Lemon Meringue Pie

If it were impossible to fail, what career would you choose, today? Is it what you are doing now? If not, could this transition be the time to make a significant change?