Navigating Career Transitions

Transitions are part of life—and part of leadership. Sometimes they’re prompted by personal circumstances: an aging parent who needs more care, or a move that can’t be postponed. Other times, they arise from dynamics within the institution itself. A board may not fully understand how to support and retain strong leadership, and the working relationship runs its course. In harder cases, transitions come in the wake of harassment, bullying, or retaliation.

And then there are the moments when an opportunity is simply too beautiful to pass up. Or when you know, deep down, that you need to step back to take better care of yourself or your loved ones. Whatever the reason, change is part of the professional journey. My hope is that what I’ve learned through these transitions might help other librarians find clarity and confidence as they navigate their own.

Know why you're leaving—and what you're heading toward

Transitions come in many forms, but the most powerful next chapters begin when you understand what you’re seeking: more alignment, more support, more peace, more challenge. Clarifying your “why” helps you move forward with integrity—and keeps you from jumping at something that isn’t quite right.

Do your homework—on the library and the community

Look beyond the job posting. Spend time with the library’s website, strategic plans, financial reports, and—if possible—recent board meeting minutes. Try to get a sense of the place: its values, its pain points, its priorities.

If you can, visit the community in person. Ideally off-season, when the pace is slower and more revealing. In seasonal towns, also pay attention to what happens when the population swells and the library stretches to meet the needs of both visitors and year-round residents. How the institution adapts under pressure can tell you a lot.

Trust the people—and your gut

Meetings with staff are more than interviews—they’re previews of your working life. Pay attention not just to their enthusiasm or qualifications, but to how you feel in conversation with them. Do you feel at ease? Energized? Curious? Or do you feel drained, uneasy, or boxed in? Our internal cues often pick up on dynamics before our minds have sorted them out. Trusting those cues is part of trusting yourself as a leader.

Look for alignment, not just compensation

A competitive salary is important—but it isn’t everything. Salaries often reflect the cost of living more than institutional values. And in library leadership, the real currency is clarity and support.

Make sure you understand your responsibilities. Are you setting policy? Hiring staff? Managing the budget? Ask how you’ll be evaluated, and when. If bonuses or retention incentives are on the table, understand the terms. Surprises aren’t inherently bad—but they shouldn’t be contractual.

Understand the power structure

Know how leadership is structured and who holds influence. In a municipal library, that might be the city council. In a county system, commissioners. In a private or association library, donors and trustees may play significant roles.

Find out how decisions get made—and who’s in the room when they do. A healthy governance culture supports transparency, fairness, and leadership autonomy. If you find opacity or power games, be honest about whether you're willing to navigate that.

Give yourself room to rest, if you can

If the timing allows, consider a pause between roles. Leadership transitions are draining—even when they’re good ones. Taking time to reset your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, or just catch up on rest can make a world of difference. A brief break isn’t a detour. It’s part of the road.

Say yes with both feet

Once you know what matters to you, commit to it. Not blindly, but wholly. When a role excites you and feels like a match for your strengths, your values, and your leadership style—go in with your full self.

Libraries need leaders who are present, energized, and real. That kind of leadership starts with knowing yourself, listening to your instincts, and showing up with clarity and care.

Transitions aren’t always easy—but they can be rich with growth and possibility. Whether you’re stepping toward a new opportunity or stepping back to rest, may you do so with courage, purpose, and a deep sense of your own worth.