Why do transitions feel so hard?

Hi everyone!

I’m here to talk about transitions - for example, starting a new job, moving to a different school, or stepping into adulthood can feel very overwhelming and difficult sometimes. Maybe you might have expected excitement, but instead, you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or lost.

Transitions can be tough, and here’s why:

:small_blue_diamond: Not knowing what to expect can be unsettling. For example, asking yourself questions like “Will I be good enough?” or “What if I fail?” can create mental pressure before we even begin.

:small_blue_diamond: New roles often require rapid learning, which can make you feel behind or unprepared, even though it’s normal to take time to adjust.

:small_blue_diamond: Expectations grow, and that shift can feel difficult to manage, especially if you’re still finding your footing.

If you’re struggling with a transition right now, know that it’s normal to feel this way. Give yourself grace, because it takes time to adjust! :blue_heart:

Have you experienced a tough transition? What was the hardest part for you? Let’s talk about it. :arrow_down::speech_balloon:

Hi everyone!

In my last post, I talked about how transitions (like starting a new job, moving schools, or stepping into adulthood) can feel difficult to manage. The uncertainty, the pressure to adapt quickly, and the weight of expectations can make even exciting changes feel stressful.

So, what can help?

:seedling: Transitions come with growing pains, and it’s okay to feel unsettled. Instead of fighting the discomfort, try recognizing it as part of the process.

:hammer_and_wrench: When everything around you feels unfamiliar, keeping small routines (like a morning walk, journaling, or a regular check-in with a friend) can bring a sense of stability.

:bulb: Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” Shifting the perspective can make new experiences feel like opportunities rather than threats.

:blue_heart: Talking to someone can help you process emotions and gain perspective!

Change is tough, but you’re growing through it. If you’re in a transition right now, what’s been helping you find your footing? :speech_balloon:

I don’t know if it’s my own issues but I might feel that tech jobs might not be suitable for me despite the higher salary than other types of jobs. Like when I watch videos like type of tech jobs in 2025, and the way they describe the responsibilities and job scope, I felt kinda disgusted by it despite having studied tech since ITE → Poly → Uni.

I just started my first full-time software engineer job last month and the transition is hell and overwhelming.

To be honest, I would rather forgo higher salary and work on lower tier jobs, as long I can enjoy peaceful. But blue collared jobs seems almost impossible for me as I am severely physically unfit as compared to normal people (I can’t sit/stand/walk long, can’t carry heavy things.).

I also considered lower tier desk bound jobs like Admin jobs but I think admin jobs are equally tough and has its own difficulties such as doing everything and need to liase with a lot of stakeholders.

I am really lost and I don’t know what jobs are suitable for me, but what I can say is my dream work routine would be desk-bound job and I just do my work quietly, and don’t really need to attend meetings or liase with people, and most of the day would be peaceful and then go off work on-time (I don’t want to OT). I wonder if there’s such jobs…

Also, I think I am pretty screwed in my life because I feel like I am still behaving like a kid that doesn’t want to grow up and face the tough reality. Like I am basically avoiding everything that’s difficult, such as cooking, dating and stuff. I have never dated in my life before and I don’t know how to cook and stuff. Like basically I feel I am very ignorant as compared to others. In general, I just want to avoid accountability, responsibilities and ownership…

I really don’t know what to do tbh… I feel very lost…

I seek counsellor help before, while I feel better after the counseling session, but after a while things go back in square, as if nothing has changed. I also have an ongoing Psychiatrist appointment and doctor prescribed me some medicine that can increase my serotonin levels but I have not take it because I am scared I would be too dependent on it after researching the pros and cons of it online and chatgpt.

I also have a psychologist appointment scheduled, and I think it costs at least $150 at a public hospital, idk why is it so expensive. And honestly I feel damn paiseh and scared because almost every single week I have a medical appt and I always have to inform my boss… I don’t know how my boss will view me…

Also if you wanna find out more context about me, you can view a post I wrote about adulting sucks, but tbh I really dont know what to do…

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