Often when working with a coaching client on a topic, to help the client gain a new perspective of that situation I will metaphorically suggest they go to the balcony to view the situation. Going to the balcony removes the client from being on the “stage” to becoming a distance spectator to what is going on. The mere change in perspective allows for better processing of the situation – with less judgment, less emotion, less catastrophic thinking, and more objectivity. Similarly, during these chaotic economic times when many people are either looking to transition to another job or career opportunity, this is an ideal time to go to the “balcony” and gain greater perspective on these decisions. And more importantly the reasons or motivation behind their decision.
I am a big fan of this period we are in called “The Great Resignation.” For various reasons both economic related and Covid-19 pandemic related, and even before the arrival of Covid-19, experts were predicting this great exodus of employees. There is nothing greater than a person who is in control of their career, or is at least willing to explore what will bring greater satisfaction to their career and thus their life.
Rather than “The Great Resignation” I choose to refer to this period as “The Great Re-Alignment.” During this period people are speaking with their feet and keyboards. They are leaving places that are not providing what they need and going to places that are meeting their needs. Even more inspiring, during and since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of new business starts continues to increase.
The one thing I am wary of is the person who jumps from place to place to place without direction or purpose. I get it, sometimes an environment is so terrible and so toxic that the need to escape is palpable. But short of something that is immediately harmful to your mental, emotional, or physical health, time should be invested in exploring what’s not working in your current gig. By dissecting what is possibly at play, you may find that it may not be time to leave, but time to have a necessary conversation to resolve the impediment to attaining career satisfaction. To get thru that process there are several questions you can consider in your excursion to the balcony. Here are a few:
· To what extent might this be a people issue?
· How well are you being compensated?
· Does the company value “life-balance” as demonstrated by expected work time commitments?
· Is this what you are really called to do at this period in your life?
· How well does your company’s values align with your values?
· How proficient are you at what you do?
· Does your position offer growth?
· How passionate are you in your current position?
· How meaningful is the work that you are doing in your current position?
· I don’t know why, but I’m not satisfied in this position?
Now let’s take a deeper dive with a couple of these.
To what extent might this be a people issue?
We are all dynamic and complex individuals and although you may love what you do as a career, you may not love or even like who you are doing it with. Whether it is a supervisor, direct reports, or colleagues, thought should be given to whether the people surrounding you are the source of your dissatisfaction with your current position. If this turns out to be a people issue, options exist for you to discuss this within the team. Yes, even if that is your direct supervisor. Remember, we are talking about conditions bad enough that you are considering leaving. If you are unwilling to have the conversations, things won’t change. Does that matter? No if you are not a raving fan of your company. But if you like your company, are compensated to your satisfaction, and enjoy what you do, then it is worth having that necessary conversation.
How well are you being compensated?
The question you must ask yourself is are you being compensated at or above the market rate. To the extent you are, the fact that it may still not be enough to support your standard of living is not an issue for your employer. You might need to upgrade your skills or take advantage of the high demand for employees and seek out a company that will pay above market rate. However, if you like your company and your position with the company, you still have options. First, you can have the conversation with your employer about the additional compensation that you desire. Second, outside of your employment you can see what type of additional self-employment, side-hustle, freelance, or gig work you can secure to earn additional income. And in the process, you might unwittingly find yourself on a journey from employee to entrepreneur.
Does the company value “life-balance” as demonstrated by expected work time commitments?
One reason people are making career moves in this period is the desire for more balance in the time commitment demanded for work. Once again, if everything else about the job is acceptable or desirable, having a conversation about this issue may be worthwhile. We all know Covid-19 pulled back the curtain and established that we can avoid the sixty to one hundred-twenty-minute round trip commute by working from home. Yes, working from home with children at home is one thing. But when schools fully re-open imagine the productivity that will exist when you can work from home undisturbed and regain the time that would have been allotted to a commute.
I don’t know why, but I’m not satisfied in this position?
This is probably the deepest yet most significant question you might need to ask yourself. Well compensated, super great team, and your company gets the life-balance piece. But there is something that you can’t put your finger on. There’s no zest, no energy, no joy, no meaningfulness. You begin to question do you have years of progressive growth and development, or are you just stuck in a rut doing the same thing year over year. Are you playing it safe, knowing that you could do your eight-hour job in half the time, but you are accustomed to the regular presumably guaranteed paycheck? Does the lack of challenge unknowingly keep you secure yet small?
By asking yourself the tough questions before you make a move you might save a move and find what you desire in your current employment; or you may become laser focused on your selection of a new employer. Here is a hard truth: you must have the courage to have the necessary conversations with yourself, your employer, or a future employer to attain what you desire. And to the extent this balcony experience provides greater perspective to realign your career you will be better for it.
What do you think are some other reasons that people are making career transitions during this period of The Great Resignation/The Great Realignment?