4 SIGNS IT IS TIME TO LEAVE YOUR JOB BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR EDGE:
It is easy to subscribe to the ‘better the devil you know’ when thinking about your employer and current role, however sometimes we slip into “the comfort zone’ which should in fact be aptly named the ‘brain drain zone’. There a few signs that danger is ahead and early intervention is recommended, to avoid losing your commercial edge and putting your career on pause/ in jeopardy.
Signs that it is time to TAKE ACTION:
1. NO LONGER IN STRETCH: You can do your role with your eyes closed. Sounds relaxed and easy? You are in fact no longer in stretch – which means you are no longer challenged, (when is the last time you had to solve a complex issue or take action where you did not instantly know how to tackle this with ease?) intellectually stimulated and probably performing at a fraction of your untapped potential. This is undoubtedly not a healthy place to be and you may now be questioning if what you do makes an impact/ feeling frustrated, discontent and un-invigorated by your day to day responsibilities.
2. DIS-ENGAGED/DIMINISHED PASSION: You find yourself drifting off in meetings, doing what you need to do versus going the extra mile, never give work a second thought when you leave for the day and you find yourself dragging yourself to work every morning? The old adage ‘we are what we do’ rings true …. we spend 90,000 hours at work in a lifetime so doing something that does not inspire, have purpose or challenge us is converse to happiness and will ensure you are not performing to your true potential. This is sure to affect your personal brand along with a long term impact on your happiness.
3. LACKING PURPOSE/DIRECTION: Perhaps you are starting to question your role and the value you offer or unsure of future direction, advancement or whether the role aligns to your personal ambitions? Whether we have consciously considered this or believe that we would be happy to never work again (should we win Lotto), it is a well-known fact and psychologists agree, that work provides meaning and purpose. Dually, job seekers often discuss their desire to ‘make a difference’, have ownership and clear expectations, with milestones that they can achieve and see the direct correlation/results/impact affected.
4. FACE VALUE: Do you feel you need/expected to be a different person at work than you are outside of work? Dread those after hour work functions with colleagues and the boss? This is something that most people have experienced to some extent in their working life, however if you and your employer’s values/organisational culture are ill aligned then this is most certainly a recipe for disaster and may result in disconnection and impact high performance.
TAKING CONTROL & CHANGING THE STATE OF PLAY:
So you recognise that the warning signs are there… now what do you do? Sit back and ignore them a little longer, with the risk being your personal brand is affected and you are not performing at your best? Allow the current situation to affect your confidence and impact future advancement?
You have full control, ownership and the know how to change this picture and this is your life and you are responsible for what happens next….
I have included some starting guidance to take charge and get things back on track:
DOING IT FOR YOURSELF/TAKING BACK YOUR EDGE:
1. Revisit your Goals and what is important to you for next steps/ your future
2. Seek Professional Guidance from a trusted coach/mentor/recruitment professional about options, your commercial value and next steps
3. Talk to your current employer –If you believe there is merit and still feel the organisation is aligned to your goals – speak with your existing employer and ask for their ideas/options to meet your personal goals and how you can best add value.
4. Make a Plan & Execute on it – Remember the ball is in your court and this is your 1 life! After getting sound advice, exploring your options and weighing up what matters to you in life, make your plan and action it.
Michelle is a joint Director of Fusion Partners, with over 25 years running businesses and within the recruitment sector as an executive leader. For a discussion in confidence around where to from here, reach out and contact us at:info@fusionpartners.co.nz