Knowing When To Shift

You can find yourself somewhere in a space of I don't love my job but I don't hate it, now what?

There can be endless things to take into consideration:

Compensation

Work environment

Support

Management

Capacity to grow

Opportunity to learn

Ability to shine

No one will ever be able to make the best decision for you but you. That includes your spouse and kids within the realm of reason. You need to take into consideration both long-term and short-term goals.

Never put all your eggs in one basket. No road is an end all be all. Allow yourself to dream and visualize where the road could take you. The actual literal road of that job, not a fantasy. There is a difference.

So what if you are frozen in fear? 

It is ok to ask for help. I get emails, texts, and calls all the time from people I coach that simply say "can you please help me write my resume?"

No problem. Sometimes you just need someone who is not emotionally connected. Someone who is isn't battling your insecurities. Someone who sees you for who you are.

It is ok to ask. So just ask.

The next step, practice your interview. If you can't afford my coachable hrs which are only $30 an hr by the way, then use your phone camera. Listen for over explanations, excuses, and negative tones. Build your confidence and carry yourself with etiqutte more than cockiness. Don't put your feet on tables, don't speak over others, don't use "I" too often.

Be prepared. Print your resume. Never get defensive. Be gracious. Not too sensitive. Don't wear anything too busy or distracting.

When the job market looks the way it does you can't complain that the dream job you wanted was out of reach. You will only have you to blame for not trying. It isn't because of race, sex, or class it is because You DID NOT Try.

When you need to ask yourself "Is my job really that bad?" Follow that question with "Is this what I originally wanted?" In other words, if you are a secretary but always wanted to be a marketing director you need to shift. If you have the job you always wanted but elements are difficult you need to resolve the elements, not the job. If elements (difficult people) aren't going anywhere you need to shift to a new company, not a job title. Ask yourself could you have better hours, more freedom, a better title, and then do a QUICK CHECK!

What is a quick check?

A quick check is a self-check to make sure you are not exchanging a position while sacrificing something more valuable. For example, a promotion that means you work Saturdays. You get a slight raise but miss every soccer game your kids are ever in. Worth it? Most likely a negative. A new company means a new city but the cost of living is lower and the kids will be in a better school district. That is a positive.

Always include all decision-makers. So if mom watches the kids and the new job means she has the kids more hours communicate that. If it means moving discuss with a spouse first. If it involves transportation communicate if your car can handle the new miles and hours of commute. there is more to change than just new shiny things.

With that being said, every shift I have ever made has been out of an offer that would have been ridiculous to turn down. It matched my personal philosophy and my family's goals which pursuing what I am passionate about. Kids didn't get shuffled too hard and I didn't sacrifice anything I couldn't live with. 

Remember nothing is permanent but regret is real so make the move and be brave.

-Izzy gentry