The Great Resignation Continues: 12 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Your Next Career Move
So, you want to quit your job? What's your next move?
Are you quitting because you are unhappy? There is no upward mobility? You don't like your boss? Or, are you quitting because you are looking for a sense of meaning and purpose at an organization where you can really create an impact and make a difference, grow and develop and fully become who you were called to be, and reach your full potential?
"American workers have had enough. Millions are quitting their jobs in the wake of the pandemic, as many seek better paying work that aligns with their values and priorities. But is jumping ship always the best choice? Stanford’s Dave Evans and Bill Burnett argue no."
There definitely should be a deep burning within us that calls us to more. More of ... who we are called to be. Filling a purpose. Finding meaning in what we do. Impacting the life of others and knowing we are making a difference.
Yes, I know money plays a roll, but what are your values? What are you passionate about? Allow yourself to dream and to believe in yourself. If you can look into the future and imagine yourself five or ten years from now, where would you like to be? Create a path to that destination and know that it is possible. You have it within yourself to get to where you want to be.
So, I ask again, what is your next move? How do you go from where you are now to where you want to be tomorrow?
Begin by reflecting. Grab a journal and start writing.
Make a list of the jobs you had growing up? Was it babysitting? Washing cars? Mowing laws? Was it an internship at an organization? Maybe you served people at a restaurant and loved the tips. Maybe you did retail and loved interacting with people. It all starts with exploring. Some of us may have ideas of what we'd like to do. We may even be sure of it, only to jump into that career and discover that was not what we thought it would be. Others hesitate because that negative mindset tells them, "I'm are not good enough," "I don't have the right skills," or "the right background." But, that should not be a stumbling block at all.
Some exercises or homework I've asked my clients to do is to make a list of their previous jobs and list what they liked and didn't like about those experiences. I also ask them as they are thinking about their next career move to think about their negotiables and non-negotiables.
What is it that is important to you? Make a list. Start somewhere!
For instance, if I were to list some of my past jobs, I can tell you that what I love is working with people, helping people, and being productive in my work knowing that I am contributing to a greater mission. Some of my favorite jobs have been working at Rady Children's Hospital and Point Loma Nazarene University. That is when I realized I came alive. I loved interacting with the doctors, with the students, and with my coworkers. I loved helping each of them find answers, solve problems, work on projects, and make their lives easier. I knew I was adding value, making my contribution toward a greater mission, and touching lives gave my life a sense of meaning and purpose. I can also tell you my non-negotiables would fall under working at organizations close to home, and not having to deal with the long commute times, benefits mean more to me than the actual salary, and I need to work with people, as a team and community, rather than work by myself.
There is definitely more to the one-on-one coaching where clients ask me individual questions that help them reach their career goals. Clients want to know the "how" and the skills they will need to reach the result or the career they want.
Don't just leave a job because you're unhappy. Discover your why and reach for it. The why is what you want, not what you don't want. Why you want "it" and why "it" matters to you. I wanted to work at Rady's because I wanted to know that in some way, even indirectly, I was a part of a mission that says children matter, their health matters, and they deserve to live a healthy life. And, today, I am a life coach, who gets to work with people all the time. I get to help people get the results they want and I am making a difference in their lives. Plus, my commute ... zero. And, no matter what I get paid, helping people reach their dreams is priceless!
What about you? What jobs have you had that you've really enjoyed? What did you love about them? What values or non-negotiables do you want from your next job or career move? What are the skills that you need to get you to where you want to be?
Questions to ask yourself before your next career move:
Do your beliefs align with the mission and vision of the organization?
Is there a career you feel would give your life a sense of meaning and purpose?
How does growth and development and reaching your full potential play into your career goals?
Do you prefer working as a part of a team and being a part of a community?
Do you enjoy working with people or do you prefer working on your own?
Is having a boss that can coach and mentor you important?
Are the salary or benefits more important to you?
Is there upward mobility within the organization you are at or the one you want to work for?
Is where you are a stepping stone that will lead you in the direction toward your dream career?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
Do you have an analytical mindset or do you revel in being creative?
Are you running away from your job or running toward something with a promising future?
Before you abandon ship, consider your game plan. What's your next move? Today is the day to make a plan, set a course, and step forward with complete confidence that you can and will reach your full potential as you achieve your career goals. The possibilities ... endless!
I will leave you with a few inspirational quotes to motivate you in your journey toward your dream career.
“Change is a great and horrible thing, and people love it or hate it at the same time. Without change, however, you just don’t move.” – Marc Jacobs
“Love change, fear staying the same.” – Maxime Lagacé
“Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone.”
– Billy Cox
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
– Abraham Maslow
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
by Sandy Ische
