Earlier this week, the Pope announced that he was stepping down due to failing health—a surprising and noble act that had not been done for centuries. This announcement triggered some thoughts about some of my clients who feel that they have stayed at a job too long. They may still be productive, but are no longer challenged. They have lost enthusiasm and believe that it is time to move on, but inertia is powerful. The fear of “leaping from the frying pan into the fire” can be difficult to overcome.
Clearly, given the scarcity of employment opportunities, the financial realities keep many people rooted to their current jobs. They may have other career aspirations, but need help to pursue their dreams. Some have always wanted to start their own business, but fear the insecurity of losing steady income and going it alone. Others are ready to retire, but still need the structure and routine of going to work every day. They may not have many interests outside of work and see their retirement years filled with failing health and boredom. Others just want a change, but are reluctant to move. They feel stuck with no way out.
If you are thinking about leaving your current position, here are some questions to consider:
Assess the Current Situation—There may be good reasons to stay at the current job if some changes could be made.
- Do an objective assessment of the current job. What do you like about it and what do you dislike? What’s working for you and what’s not? What changes are occurring—or about to occur—that might affect your job? How can you impact those changes?
- What are your strengths and greatest attributes? Sometimes, we fail to recognize and acknowledge our own strengths because they come so easily and effortlessly. How are you using your strengths in the current position? How could you use them more?
- If you could change your current job to take better advantage of your strengths, what changes would you make?
- Have you had a discussion with your boss, or any others in senior management, about using your strengths more fully? Who else could you talk to?
Picture the Future—It’s difficult to leave your current job, if you don’t have a clear picture of what you want.
- What is your passion? What gives your life meaning and purpose? What do you truly value?
- Create a vision of the new role. What would you be doing? How would you be spending your time? What would a typical day look like?
- Who do you know that is currently doing the job that you could talk to? How can you find out more about this new opportunity?
- What new knowledge or skills would be needed in the new role? How could you obtain them?
Getting Unstuck—Think about the first step in reaching your goal.
- What can you start learning? Maybe you could speak to someone about how to launch a new business venture and begin to talk through the elements of a business plan. Or maybe you could have lunch with a retiree to learn how he or she is managing the new lifestyle.
- What self-limiting beliefs are holding you back? Fear of failure? Afraid of making an irreversible mistake? How can you re-frame these beliefs and let go of the fear?
- Who can support you in moving forward and give you encouragement along the way? A spouse or partner? A trusted friend? A career coach?
- How can you explore a new opportunity without leaving the current job completely? Is this an all-or-nothing proposition?
- What’s the worst case scenario? Would you be able to do something else if the future scenario did not work out?
Reflecting on these questions is not easy but well worth the time. While there are no assurances that a career move will be successful, a well-thought out plan can help you get started.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.