Facing a Career Crossroad: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

pictured: four signs saying "career" and pointing in different directions

Facing a Career Crossroad: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

November 13, 2023

pictured: four signs saying "career" and pointing in different directionsShould you stay in your current job, or should you go?

In my recent blog posts, I delved deep into recognizing the red flags that might signal it's time to reconsider your current job, as well as the green flags that indicate you're right where you should be.

But what should you do once you've identified these signs?

How do you navigate the nuanced process of deciding whether to stay or go?

Making a career decision, especially one as significant as whether to stay in or leave a job, is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Deciding whether to push through challenges or when to seek new opportunities is rarely straightforward. It's filled with variables, personal values, and considerations that will be unique to you.

Let’s explore how to process these signals and make an informed decision that feels right.

Balancing the Red and Green Flags

First and foremost, no job is perfect. Recognizing that every position will have its mix of pros and cons is crucial.

Your goal is not to find a job without challenges, but rather to find one where the challenges are balanced by rewards and where you see a positive trajectory for your future.

Quantify the Flags

Create a list of all the red and green flags you've identified. Assign a weight to each based on what’s important to you. For example, if work-life balance is a top priority, you would give it more weight than something else. This will provide a clearer picture of which issues or benefits are mere inconveniences and which are deal-breakers or major positives.

Assess Personal Impact

Reflect on how these flags affect you, both personally and professionally. Are the red flags causing stress, impacting your relationships, or stifling your growth? Conversely, are the green flags promoting your personal well-being, driving your career development, and giving you a sense of purpose?

Seek External Perspectives

Talk to mentors, a career coach, trusted colleagues, and your friends. These discussions can provide you with a fresh, external perspective and help you see things you might have missed or validate what you've been feeling. Keep in mind: Your perspective matters the most! But it’s easy to get stuck in a singular perspective. Use these conversations to help you think more broadly.

Questions to Ponder

The world isn’t static. There’s often room for change, either on your end or somewhere else… within reason! Here are some additional things to think about.

Can the Red Flags Be Addressed?

Before making a move, consider if there's room for change. Can a conversation with your supervisor or HR address some of the issues? Would a small move (perhaps internal to the company?) create enough of a shift to mitigate the red flags?

Is There a Future Here?

If you can see yourself growing, learning, and advancing in your current position, it might be worth staying, even if there are red flags. If there's no clear future, it might be time to consider other opportunities.

What Are Your Personal and Career Goals?

What you want for yourself matters! Ideally, your job is a stepping stone toward achieving your broader objectives. If it's diverting you from what you want for yourself, it's worth reconsidering.

Looking Ahead

Now that you’ve looked at both red and green flags, what’s next?

If you decide it's time to move on, remember that it’s best to do your job hunting while still employed because it offers advantages. You're less pressured to accept the first offer that comes along, allowing you to be more selective. Furthermore, having current employment can be appealing to potential employers.

On the other hand, if you decide to stay, be proactive in addressing any red flags. Open up lines of communication, seek opportunities for growth that appeal to you, and regularly revisit your feelings to ensure you remain aligned with your career trajectory.

Ultimately, the decision to stay or move on from a job is deeply personal and complex. It involves weighing the good against the bad, and also considering your long-term aspirations and personal well-being. By thoughtfully evaluating both red and green flags and seeking external advice, you can make better decisions that align with what you want for yourself.

Remember: The goal isn’t to make a perfect decision, but a more-informed one. Trust your gut, trust the process, and know that each decision you make moves you closer to a more fulfilling career.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Seeing the Red Flags: Is it Time to Leave Your Job?

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Seeing the Red Flags: Is it Time to Leave Your Job?

October 17, 2023

pictured: red flag with a cloudy sky behind itWe've all had those mornings. You know… the alarm goes off and the first thing you do is start thinking of reasons to call in sick.

While everyone has a rough day now and then, how do you know when those feelings are a sign that something worse is happening. Are you just in a rough patch, or is the job itself a problem and it’s time to move on?

The Personal Impact of Staying in an Unsatisfactory Position

Staying in a job you don't love isn't just a professional decision—it affects you personally. If you're consistently unhappy, it will show up in your sleep, your eating habits, your stress levels, and even your relationships.

More than that, it can hold you back. It can stop you from reaching your potential and growing in your career. Not just in terms of missed opportunities, but emotionally too. If a job drains you, it can also stifle your ambition or your drive to excel.

Is it time for you to look for a new opportunity? Let’s dig into the red flags that can serve as a powerful hint.

Red Flags: Signs it Might Be Time to Move On

Dissatisfaction and Dread:
We all have off days. But if that "I'd rather be anywhere but here" feeling is a regular morning companion, it's time to listen!

Stagnation and Lack of Growth:
Do you feel like you're stuck on a treadmill, running but going nowhere? If the company you work for doesn’t offer any room to grow or the opportunity to learn new things and expand your skills, it might be time to consider a change.

Misaligned Values and Company Culture:
If you feel out of place or notice that the company's actions don't resonate with your personal values, it can be hard to stay motivated or feel proud of what you do. If naming your workplace makes you wince, this is a powerful sign that there is an important misalignment that you should address.

Frequent Overwhelm and Burnout:
Sure, everyone's busy. But if your level of "busy" is creating constant stress or feeling like you will never catch up, that's a problem. If you’re not allowed to say no to projects even though your desk is already full, if you’re required to work late constantly to stay caught up, or if you’re regularly in a state of anxiety, these are big red flags that are leading down a dark path.

Feeling Underappreciated or Undervalued:
A simple "thank you" can go a long way. If your hard work consistently goes unnoticed or you feel you're not compensated fairly, it's worth reassessing whether you’re in the right place. If you are regularly handed additional work or responsibility but not compensated for those extra duties, this is a bad sign.

Trust Issues with Management or Leadership:
Trust is a two-way street. On one side, you need to trust that the decisions made by leadership are in the best interest of the company and its employees. If you find yourself frequently questioning their decisions or sensing a lack of transparency, it's worth taking a closer look at what’s happening there. On the flip side, it's equally important that the leadership trusts you. If you sense they're regularly second-guessing your decisions or hesitant to entrust you with more responsibility, it raises concerns about whether you’ll be able to grow in that environment.

Weighing the Red Flags

But hold on a second—don't send in that resignation just yet! Your best first move should be to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

One bad week or a single incident might not mean it's time to go. It could indicate red flags, or the challenge might be easily addressable!

It’s always a good idea to talk about what you’re experiencing with your boss. And if you're still unsure, try keeping a work journal. Jot down how you feel each day. Over time, patterns might emerge that can create clarity.

Preparing for the Next Step

If you’re leaning towards making a change, start your job hunt while you’re still employed. Dust off that resume, reach out to contacts, and ramp up that networking! If you're feeling uncertain, seeking advice from a career coach or mentor can be invaluable. I've often encountered and assisted clients right at this juncture, when they're contemplating whether to stay or make a move. It's a significant decision and having the right support can make all the difference.

Here’s what I want you to keep in mind: Your well-being and growth should always be a priority. Trust your gut! If something feels off, try to figure out what it is.

Remember: Every job or experience, good or bad, gets you one step closer to where you want to be. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll explore the "green flags" that signal you're in the right job!

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Lasting Connections

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Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Lasting Connections

September 11, 2023

Pictured: 2 men in professional clothing shaking hands and smiling.As you consider your professional relationships, have you ever wondered what really cements a connection?

The answer is: Trust.

Trust is that intangible bond, that invisible thread, which ties us together in the professional realm and beyond.

Why is trust so crucial?

While networking events might give us a plethora of contacts, trust is the element that determines which of these contacts evolve into fruitful collaborations, partnerships, or even friendships.

Trust isn't just about believing someone will do as they say. It's about genuinely understanding the essence of a person, recognizing their values, and establishing an emotional connection.

When you trust someone, you're more willing to take risks with them, share your thoughts openly, and support each other in pursuing your goals. In the professional realm, this translates to collaborative projects, new business opportunities, and the sharing of valuable resources and information.

When trust is present, you know the other person has your back. This trust significantly reduces the energy and time spent on verifying, cross-checking, and second-guessing. The result? It saves time, reduces stress, and brings you peace of mind!

How to Cultivate Trust: The Actionable Steps

Building trust is akin to planting a tree. You sow the seeds, nurture them, and patiently wait as they sprout and grow. But what does that look like in real life?

Here’s a roadmap to help you foster trust:

Be Genuine. Authenticity is the starting point. In every interaction, be yourself. People can sense pretense, and nothing erodes trust faster than insincerity.

Keep Your Word. If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it. Reliability strengthens trust. Every time you follow through, you’re saying: You can trust me.

Engage with Empathy. Approach every interaction with a genuine heart, listening intently and responding thoughtfully. If you want to know what this might look like, consider Grieving Grace from one of my recent posts.

Keep Lines of Communication Open. Encourage open dialogue. Ask questions and invite feedback. When both parties engage in open communication, it creates a trust-enriching environment.

Recognize and Respect Boundaries. Everyone has their own unique boundaries. Recognizing and respecting these is vital to nurturing trust.

Create Shared Experiences. Spend time together beyond networking events. Shared experiences like coffee chats, lunch, or even shared projects, can deepen the bond of trust.

Trust is a Two-way Street

As you embark on this journey of trust-building, remember: It's not just about you trusting others, but also about making yourself trustworthy. Like the "You, You, Me, You" framework, it’s about mutual respect and understanding. The goal is to create a balance where both parties feel valued, understood, and most importantly, trusted.

Trust is the bedrock of every lasting connection. It's the foundation upon which all successful professional relationships are built.

So, the next time you're at a networking event, meeting, or even a casual get-together, approach each conversation from the perspective of building trust. It's an investment that will pay rich dividends in the form of enduring, valuable relationships.

For more insights on building trust, relationships, and effective communication, I'd recommend diving into my book: "You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships."

Remember, trust is more than a word; it’s the heart of every genuine connection.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

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Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

August 28, 2023

pictured: four people at a networking eventDo networking events feel like a whirlwind where you just exchange business cards and brief hellos? It's a common scenario, especially if attendees don’t understand how to leverage the networking event. There’s a better way to participate in these events! It's all about building genuine, lasting relationships, and I want to help you get more out of them.

Networking with Purpose: Building Bridges, Not Just Contacts

You might be wondering, why bother? Isn't networking just about expanding your contacts list? Actually… no! The real power of networking lies not in the quantity of connections you gather, but in the quality of relationships you cultivate.

I'm going to guide you through a simple yet profound 4-step process that can transform your networking experience:

Prepare for Impact:

Before you even step into a networking event, here's a trick I've found to be remarkably effective – preparation. Take the time to research the attendees beforehand. Most events have an online registration portal that shows who has registered. Grab that list and get to know their backgrounds, roles, and the companies they represent.

Armed with this information, you're not just making random conversations; you're engaging intentionally. This groundwork can enhance the meaningfulness of your interactions and even help you identify people you genuinely want to connect with.

Quick tip: Identify who you want to make sure you meet so you can keep an eye out for them and connect.

Engage with Curiosity:

I believe in the value of curiosity in relationship-building. Being genuinely interested in others not only helps me establish connections but also fosters a positive and lasting impression. People can tell when if we’re just nodding along or if we’re genuinely curious.

True curiosity fosters engagement and leaves a lasting impression. Think about it: wouldn't you prefer talking to someone who's sincerely interested in what you have to say?

Find the Balance:

It's important to both listen to others and also share about ourselves. I strive to strike a balance. I avoid dominating the conversation with my too much of own experiences. No one likes a monologue!

I've found that sharing about myself becomes more meaningful when it's woven into the fabric of the conversation. If they talk about their job, share a relevant experience. If they mention a company, connect it to something you know. Statements like, “I have a friend that works at that same company. It sounds like a great place,” make it less about “you” or “me,” and more about “us” – the synergy that happens when two minds genuinely connect.

Follow Up

This is where a lot of people trip – they don’t follow-up. Building relationships doesn't end when the event concludes. This is still only the beginning! Sending that follow-up email, connecting on LinkedIn, or setting up a coffee meeting is a continuation of the relationship-building process. Don't let the momentum fade away. Nurture those connections like you would a newly planted seed – with care and attention.

Networking is about creating bridges, not just contacts.

The next time you step into a networking event, carry this approach with you. Invest in conversations, prioritize connections, and watch how the landscape of your professional relationships transforms.

This 4-step process is a deeper look at the networking framework that I developed, called: “You You Me You.”

To dive even deeper into the “You You Me You” framework and the art of cultivating meaningful connections, I invite you to explore my book: You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

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Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

August 15, 2023

pictured: two poeple at a networking eventWhy do you network?

Are you simply making connections, or are you striving to cultivate deeper relationships?

This distinction isn't trivial; in fact, it can shape the trajectory of your entire career.

In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it's tempting to prioritize quantity over quality, focusing simply on accumulating contacts. However, the real essence of networking lies in nurturing relationships that endure, offering mutual growth and professional development.

Balancing Network and Relationships

You likely understand the pivotal role networking plays in your career journey. But let's delve into the deeper aspect – the significance of forging genuine relationships within your network. It's not about the sheer number of connections displayed on your LinkedIn profile; it's about the depth and authenticity of those connections. The objective isn't just to add names but to establish meaningful bonds.

Investing Time and Effort

Crafting relationships demands more than superficial interaction. It entails dedication, endeavor, and effective communication. The goal is to truly comprehend the individuals in your network, creating a support system that you can all benefit from over the course of your careers.

Introducing the "You You Me You" Framework

To navigate this journey of building profound relationships, I offer you the "You You Me You" framework – a simple yet potent approach. This technique emphasizes the art of listening, understanding, and expressing genuine curiosity.

As you consider the “You You Me You” framework, notice the "Me" to "You" ratio within the framework. At 3:1, it underscores the importance of listening. This positions you to inquire, listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions. The magic of this framework lies in prioritizing the other person's perspective and interests.

Elevating Interactions

The "You You Me You" framework has a transformative effect. When you ask questions and then listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions, you create engaging and positive interactions during which the other person feels heard and seen.

Maya Angelou said it best: “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Applying the Framework

In the realm of networking, the real power unfolds when you nurture relationships beyond the surface. So, as you step into networking events or conversations, remember the "You You Me You" framework. When you infuse authentic interest and balanced sharing, you convert networking encounters into lasting relationships.

Networking isn't just about connections; it's about the meaningful bonds that define your career. So, when you approach networking with the "You You Me You" framework at its core, you reshape experiences into enduring, valuable relationships that stand the test of time.

Next Steps

For a deeper dive into the "You You Me You" framework, explore my book, You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships. It will help you uncover the secrets of transforming networking from a mere transaction to a transformative connection, shaping your professional journey.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Building Your Professional Network: Tips for Early Career Professionals

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Building Your Professional Network: Tips for Early Career Professionals

May 8, 2023

Group of business people talking at a networking eventBuilding a professional network is essential for growing your career.

Networking can open doors to new opportunities that aren’t otherwise available. It can help you find a mentor and give you insight into industry knowledge that you can’t access through the public media or the internet.

But how do you get started? How do you network in a way that will help you build the relationships that you need over the long term of your career?

That’s a real challenge that most people face. Networking takes time, practice, and a consistent effort. Here are some specific things you can do to build a network that will help you grow your career.

Tips for Building Your Professional Network

Start Early: It's never too early to start building your professional network. If you're still in college, take advantage of networking opportunities such as career fairs, alumni events, and industry associations. Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest to build relationships and learn from their experiences. If you're already in your early career, it's not too late to start. Look for networking events, professional associations, and online communities related to your industry or career path.

Be Yourself: When networking, it's important to be genuine and professional. Show interest in others and be respectful of their time and expertise. Choose to be yourself; this will invite them to be authentic with you in return.

Be Professional: Avoid using networking solely for self-promotion; instead focus on building authentic relationships based on mutual respect and value. In other words, give as well as take. Maintain a professional demeanor and be mindful of your online presence, as potential employers or colleagues are probably checking your social media profiles.

Ask for Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for advice from your network. Ask questions, seek guidance, and show curiosity about others' experiences and insights. People love to share their knowledge and expertise; asking for advice can be a great way to build connections and learn from others. Be open to feedback and be willing to learn from others' perspectives.

Give Back: Giving back is an important aspect of networking. Offer your help, resources, or support to others in your network without expecting anything in return. This could include sharing articles or resources, providing introductions, or volunteering your time and expertise. If you aren’t sure how to help, ask them what you can do for them. Even just an expressed willingness to help can go a long way. By being generous and helpful, you can build a positive reputation and create meaningful long-term connections.

Be Proactive: Building a professional network requires that you be proactive. Seek out networking opportunities, attend events, and connect with professionals in your industry. When you make connections, be proactive in staying in touch with them by scheduling coffee or agreeing to go to the same networking event.

Follow Up: Most people don't do this so this is where you can really stand out. When you meet contacts at networking events or online, follow up within 24 hours. You can really make an impression when you send a personalized thank-you note. At the very least, send a follow-up email. Following up is the thing that most people don’t do, so it’s the perfect way to stand out.

Building relationships takes time and effort. I encourage you to be patient, keep working on it, and plan on sticking with it for the long term.

A professional network is essential for every professional. Whether you're a student, early career professional, or mid-career professional, now is the time to invest in building your professional network. Take action today and watch your network grow and thrive, opening doors to new opportunities and career success.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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