In 2001, Mary joined an advertising agency fresh out of college. She was excited to be working with a team of creative professionals on exciting projects. She didn’t mind the long hours. She made some terrific friends on the job. It was customary that after a long day, most everyone would go out for drinks. Sometimes the conversation was about work; other times, it reminded her of her college years. The pay wasn’t great, but she had more cash in the bank than she had in college and an incredible downtown apartment. Over the years, Mary began taking on new responsibilities and spent more time with clients. She learned more about the business side of her profession and expanded her network of friends. Over a period of time, she noticed that the late nights weren’t as fun anymore, particularly in the morning. Plus he had met her soulmate at work. Ten years later, her coworkers threw her an informal anniversary party complete with cake. She appreciated the sentiment, but something seemed missing. Mary had grown up in a job and a company that, while she used to feel was exciting, now seemed dull. Most of her colleagues were younger and had no one to go home to. Mary was getting married, and she hoped children were in her future. Late nights were out.
Mary began to think that she had done everything she could in this job and certainly couldn’t see herself in that position for the next ten years, much less the rest of her career.
The job was no longer exciting.
The tasks were the same…..over and over.
She felt like she had done it all before.
Some of her other friends had job hopped. Some were happy while others were not.
Some were making more money than Mary. Others were not.
There are lots of Marys out there.
Sometimes it’s a self-realization that the job is no longer fun and has become too routine.
Sometimes the job duties change, and you aren’t doing the fun part of what you like to do.
Maybe you have a new boss.
Maybe someone has reached out to you with a tempting offer.
What should you do? Do you start looking for a new job? What kind of job?
Consider pausing. Take a vacation. Do some soul searching.
What did you find exciting about your job when you took it.
What would excite you again?
Did the job change? Or did you change?
Think about how your values have shifted.
At one time in your life, working long hours meant more money, and that was important as you saved up to buy your first new car or home. But perhaps you have that car, or your lifestyle has changed, so that time off is more important than money.
If you think about a new career or even a job that interests you, learn as much as you can about the new profession. Picture yourself in that role. Find someone who works in that kind of job and ask them about the best parts of the job and the worst.
You might want to work with a coach to help identify your strengths and your weaknesses as you think about a move.
And one final thing, don’t make your decision only based on money. You might be frustrated with your current pay and want to jump at an offer merely because it pays more. It is more important that the job you are considering is a good match for you.
The point is that you need to slow down and don’t quit your current job out of frustration and without a plan. The more research you do, the less likely you will regret your choice.
This post is an excerpt from my course “Getting The Job You Want” It will help you be successful at your job search.
Dave Edwards Media 