I always say that when something new comes your way and is a benefit to you, then it’s an opportunity. When it doesn’t benefit you, it’s that thing we all dread: CHANGE.

For example, let’s say you’re the expert on Italian cuisine, and you are currently the head chef of a famous Italian restaurant. Suddenly, the owner passes away, and the heirs sell the restaurant to some investors who absolutely love and adore the business model for a buffet style restaurant.

They know their food can come in very big cans and will not require any expertise to heat up in the microwave. A few dollars invested in sneeze guards, and they will be ready to go.

So, the new owners gather you and your colleagues together and announce that it’s time for the restaurant to change, and they share current information that shows the other Italian owner was within a few months of going belly-up. They show photos on a big screen of the neighborhoods surrounding the restaurant, and explain that the economic status of the area lends itself more to a buffet style. 

Next, a very enthusiastic consultant jumps up to tell you that change is growth, an opportunity, and the future of the company. Following the last picture of the sun rising over the new restaurant sign and the last notes of the song, “I Hope You Dance,” the new owners get up and state that you can either get in line at the buffet or choose to leave it all behind.

You are convinced that the change is needed, and seriously consider leaving your chef skills behind while learning to use a very large can opener. But, instead, you feel guilty. Why don’t you love change the way the consultant does? Why aren’t you ready to hop on board? Why don’t you feel like dancing? Well, because it’s change that benefits others, but not you.

When new expertise is needed

The truth is that sometimes change dislodges those who have been the “experts” in their field, because the field itself is changing. New expertise is needed. That doesn’t mean the change shouldn’t happen, it simply means that you shouldn’t feel guilty if you’re not doing cartwheels over it.

What happens if you stay anyway without truly being on board with the new direction? 

• You wake-up every day dreading your job.

• Your lack of energy is contagious at work and others get as depressed as you are.

• Those who are truly stoked about a buffet feel guilty every time you walk through the door.

So, what can you do if a change doesn’t benefit you?

• Put down the job, and back slowly away. Admit that it just isn’t your cup of tea—or your plate of buffet. 

• What if you can’t afford to walk away without another opportunity? Then, mentally “align” with the new decision while you’re actively seeking a new position. If you trust your immediate supervisor, let them know you’re committed, but actively seeking something new. They might even help you.

• If you know you might have to put up with the change for a while, then keep your other skills sharp through classes, network for those in the industry your prefer, and be supportive at work.

Undermining change with snide comments and constant complaining will only destroy those you care—and maybe even your soul.  

Change is always an opportunity, but perhaps not your opportunity. Therefore, try to understand what you can control and what you can’t control. I believe Reinhold Niebuhr said it best in his Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.