As 2021 winds down, there’s a lot on your mind. You’ve made it through so many changes, challenges, and uncertainties, and now you’re facing a November and December that seem to hold much of the “normal” craziness the end of the year typically brings. And yet, the thought of returning to “normal” doesn’t feel like you had hoped. In fact, you’re not sure you want to continue moving in the same direction in your career.
On the other hand, the thought of trying to make a transition seems out of reach. You’re wondering if you actually have what it takes. Will your skills translate to a different company or industry? You’re not sure if the risk will be worth it. After all, you’re in a comfortable place. You know the company. You do a great job.
So why do you have this nagging feeling that maybe now is the time to make a change?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It can be challenging to think about making a career transition, especially when you’ve faced so many unanticipated transitions over the past couple of years. But there is a reason that it’s on your mind.
So why do you have this nagging feeling that maybe now is the time to make a change?
As you process your thoughts and feelings about the next move in your career, here are three possible explanations for why you can’t shake the questions at the back of your mind.
You want your work to feel meaningful.
It’s common for all of us as we reach different points in our lives to start contemplating the brevity of life. For all of us, the common experience of navigating a global pandemic has certainly influenced our perspective, and it’s left many of us thinking about the impact we want to have on the world.
Where you may have been content to do work that didn’t excite you before, you’re now realizing that there might be opportunities that align better with your values. You’re wondering if you should explore your options, rather than continuing to pour yourself into a job that’s not giving you the ability to use your talent to make a difference.
Your job is draining all of your time and energy.
It can happen before you know it. You start out enthusiastic about the position, and you don’t notice when your boundaries begin to be crossed. Gradually the job takes over your whole life, creeping into weekends and evenings and occupying your thoughts even when you’re not working.
“It’s just not worth it” is one of the comments I hear most often from exhausted, burnt out clients. Devoting so much of yourself to a company (that may not even be appreciative of the value you bring) will quickly wear you out, because it doesn’t leave you enough mental and emotional energy to invest in the people and purposes that mean the most to you. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.
This is one of the most difficult situations to be in, because you feel helpless to take the steps you need to take in order to position yourself for what’s next. If you’re struggling in a job that is taking over every part of your life, you probably feel stuck and unsure of how to change that.
Devoting so much of yourself to a company (that may not even be appreciative of the value you bring) will quickly wear you out, because it doesn’t leave you enough mental and emotional energy to invest in the people and purposes that mean the most to you.
You don’t want to be left behind.
Maybe you’ve been watching colleagues leave the company for new, exciting opportunities. You’ve noticed many of your LinkedIn connections transitioning to different roles. You’ve read about the Great Resignation. And you’ve begun to consider your own career trajectory.
You’re asking yourself if you’re making the most of the opportunities available to you, and you’re not sure you can honestly answer “yes.” The one thing you do know is that you don’t want to look back 10 years from now, wishing you had pursued what you really wanted in your career.
So what’s the answer?
Well, the truth is, it depends. No one can tell you what the right decision is for the next step in your career. It’s something you have to discover for yourself. This could be the perfect time for you to transition into the next level. It could be the moment you’ve been waiting for to move into a leadership role. It might be the time to give yourself permission to leave a toxic organization for one that supports you as a human. Or maybe it’s not the right time for you to make a move.
No matter what you decide, here’s what I want you to know.
You deserve a career you don’t want to escape from.
Don’t let anyone convince you that you deserve anything less! It’s not too much to ask for an opportunity to do meaningful work. You can absolutely position yourself for a role that connects with goals and your purpose! As a matter of fact, the more aligned your career is with your core values, the greater your impact will be.
You’re not stuck.
I know it might seem impossible right now, but you can take back control of your career and make a decision to leave a toxic work environment. Give yourself permission to separate who you are as a person from the work you do for the company. Remember that loyalty doesn’t mean accepting being mistreated or undervalued. It won’t be easy, but you can walk away from a position or company that’s not right for you and open the door to a better opportunity!
I know it might seem impossible right now, but you can take back control of your career and make a decision to leave a toxic work environment.
You can create a career you love.
You have unique gifts and abilities, and no one else can do what you do in the way that you do it. You have incredible value! Own your worth, and surround yourself with people who support you.
I know the unknown can seem scary. You don’t know what you don’t know. And I understand it’s difficult to remember how amazing you are in the middle of an overwhelming or negative situation. But I also know other possibilities exist, even if you can’t see them. And I believe that you are capable of achieving your career goals.
You deserve a career you don’t want to escape from.
That’s why I’m here. I don’t want to see you struggle in a job that no longer fits. I don’t want you to feel exhausted and stuck.
I want you to thrive in your career and embrace all that you have to offer!
If you’re feeling the pull toward make a change before the New Year, but you’re not sure where to start, check out my Career Success Coworking program. I’d love to support you as you create a career you don’t want to escape from.
Need help uncovering your next career move? Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn, or check out my Career Success Coworking program to get 1:1 leadership and transition coaching!