HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON–AND WHAT TO DO IF IT IS
This subject may seem odd, given our current economic conditions. It’s tempting–and understandable–to scale back plans and dreams in times of change. You’re grateful to be alive, to have a job, any job.
Career restlessness seems minor compared to worrying about losing your job and/or medical benefits, long-term unemployment, or the loss of a general sense of security. You may feel apprehensive about the future or even guilty or greedy about wanting more for yourself at a time of large-scale economic uncertainty and hardship for others.
Times of upheaval—social, economic, or personal—often prove to be defining moments. You ask what really matters. Are you at peace with how you’re living your life? Are there things left unsaid or undone? Living miserably in a job that’s a poor fit is its own kind of death—quiet and suffocating—in contrast to the public and dramatic events like major recessions, terrorism, and natural disasters.
As we have witnessed in the past few years, out of horrible events, bold moves are possible. In fact, without something to shake us up, it’s too easy to play it safe.
♦
HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON
According to author Rona Lichtenberg, it’s time to move on in your career when any one of the six statements below is true. They are her words, verbatim.
► It’s not just that they don’t pay you enough, it’s that they couldn’t ever pay you enough to make you feel good.
► You believe that nothing you do makes the least bit of difference.
► You’re not learning anything.
► No one ever talks to you about the future in a positive way.
► You hate your boss so much that it’s hard to think about anything else.
► You feel that who you are at work doesn’t have much to do with who you are in the rest of your life.
If you agreed with one of the statements above, you’re probably at least restless at work. If you agreed with two or more, you’re probably very unhappy in your work. It’s more than a bad day or month on the job; it’s a bad fit. Time to do something to improve your situation.
♦
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON
⇒ Get Your “I’ll Be Ready When…” List Together
Ask yourself what you’d need to feel ready to make a move. The more specific, the better. For example, “I’ll feel ready when: I have new job target; I know how I’ll handle medical benefits if I have a time of unemployment; I have three month’s current salary in the bank; I have 15 contacts.”
⇒ Take Action—with Support
After you’ve figured out what it will take to feel ready to make a move, get support to make it happen. Whether through books, buddies, workshops, or enlisting the help of a professional career consultant, you’ll find your action less lonely and more effective. Support and expertise, regardless of their source, are indispensable for successful career transitions and job search campaigns.
♦
Life’s too short and too important to spend it doing something you don’t like or that isn’t rewarding in financial or personal ways. Clarify what really matters in your life and work, then take steps to make it happen. Even small actions create momentum; sustained action yields eventual results. You’re worth it.
——–/——–
FEATURED RESOURCE
Take a look at the article, Everything is Negotiable, by Jack Chapman; he wrote the top-selling book on salary negotiations.
In this article Chapman describes the logical and emotional factors that play into employers’ salary offers.
By understanding the issues that affect an employer’s offer, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate a good deal for yourself and your employer.
> Have been looking for work but not getting results
In this 90-120 minute meeting, we can get to the root of your career problem and come up with a plan to solve it.
For more information call me at 314-752-1373, email me through my website.
Suggestions For Topics?
