When it comes to making a career transition, there are many factors to be considered. Here’s an important one to consider before you even leave your current job.
If you are in a career transition, or thinking of making a career transition, there is one prime consideration I would like you to keep in mind.
It’s your attitude.
Your attitude and your inner environment should be among the FIRST things you examine, even before leaving your current job.
The simplest reason for this is that if you walk out of your job carrying bitterness, anger, or resentment, it will have a negative impact on your subsequent job search.
Why?
Because people can smell it on you, even if you think you are hiding it.
Energy speaks loudly and clearly, regardless of the words you say.
My advice for clients who are unsatisfied in their current work situation is to look for new ways to find fulfillment right where they are BEFORE making the decision to leave.
This may be a change in their personal life, or in their current work arrangement.
Changes in your personal life don’t have to be monumental.
It can be one small thing you incorporate into your daily or weekly schedule, like taking a dance class, going for a hike, or doing a creative project.
Anything that brings you joy and inspiration is good.
I am also an advocate of approaching your team or boss about making a pivot in your current position before initiating your career transition process.
Some possible pivots include:
- Switching departments
- Adding/training a new team member
- Taking on a new project
- Straddling two departments
- Changing your hours
And before you say they don’t do that at your company, I’ll let you know I’ve heard that before.
My response to that is: Have you asked?
Because if you’re ready to leave anyway, you have nothing to lose by asking.
There are more solutions than you can see and you may be surprised by the answer you get.
The idea is to lead with your truth.
Determine what changes would make you feel more fulfilled in your current situation, and then propose those changes.
Frame the proposal in a way that lets your boss/team know how they will benefit from the change(s).
Everyone benefits when their employees and co-workers enjoy what they are doing!
The other side of this coin is for entrepreneurs and high level leaders.
It’s a good idea to regularly ask your team if they would like to add anything to their day-to-day responsibilities.
As a leader, it’s important to keep the dialogue open rather than simply delegating tasks.
And if you are approached by someone on your team with a request to pivot, listen to what they have to say, and give them a well-thought-out, honest answer.
If the environment is toxic, or there are sincerely no other options for you in your current position, it may be necessary to leave.
But in most other cases, my recommendation is to do the inner work first.
Find your equilibrium and get yourself balanced (as much as you can) before taking that step.
This is the opposite of burning bridges.
Is your work situation frustrating you? Do you hate your job, but have no idea what to do instead? Attempting to navigate those waters without support is not fun (yes, I do know, but that’s another story). I’m excited to announce that I’ve created The Job I Love Toolkit, with all the resources you’ll need to finally clarify how to get paid to do you.TM To be the first to hear more details, join the VIP Wait List.
And if you know a friend or neighbor who could use hearing the advice in this article or needs The Job I Love Toolkit, please forward this to them.