You May Not Have to Quit Your Job
How to turn things around at work – Issue #89
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I can see how much of what I write seems to encourage people to quit their jobs or at least expect a lot more from their role and their managers, which might make some employers nervous.
I was talking with a friend who manages a team. She jokingly said (maybe it was jokingly) that she didn’t want me talking with her employees because I might encourage them to quit or ask for a promotion.
I’m glad that she said that. It made me realize that my message may imply that career happiness is just around the corner at your next great job:
If your manager doesn’t promote you frequently enough, it’s time to leave.
If things aren’t working out exactly as you desire, you just need to muster the courage to quit and find something better.
But that’s not exactly what I’m trying to say.
Job hopping can help in certain situations. But, it isn’t the solution to all problems.
The path to an invincible career isn’t that simple
In some cases, things might be so terrible with your boss or job that quitting is the right answer. If you’ve exhausted all other potential solutions and the writing is on the wall, then start making plans for a fresh start somewhere else.
You work hard, keep moving around or over obstacles, yet it just isn’t working out. That does happen. Sometimes you don’t mesh with a boss or company culture.
But, it is also true that some people give up too quickly. They jump from job to job every six months.
Yet, they always somehow land in a job that “sucks.” It’s never their fault.
Investing in your career is never easy
Career progress will never be a magical cakewalk, no matter how fantastic the job, boss, or company is. It is hard work.
There will be challenges and setbacks. You will need to learn, grow, and adapt.
Yes, you will need to meet the company halfway. It is a partnership, after all.
Unless you’re the founder of the company, it probably won’t fit your ideal vision of perfection.
The role will be slightly different than how you would have defined it. The organizational structure won’t be quite right. The company culture won’t be a perfect fit for your personality.
You know why? They didn’t create the company to revolve around you.
You are coming into an existing company and organization. They designed it to map to their vision, not yours.
Don’t like it?
If you really can’t meet them halfway, then start your own business.
I’m not trying to be snarky. I’m just being honest.
If you can’t adjust or you refuse to change, then found your own company to match your vision. Create the organizational model you’ve always dreamed should exist.
Define the best processes that you know are right. Develop a company culture that makes your heart sing. Then, find your tribe of people who want to join you there.
Go for it!
Otherwise, work harder to make it a win-win
If you don’t want to quit your job to start your own company, then it’s time to make the best of it.
If you have a decent boss who cares, consider yourself lucky. If you have a company that is trying to invest in your career growth, embrace that.
It is a mutually-beneficial relationship. It should be a two-way street. If you invest in the company, it should invest in you. And vice versa.
Have an honest conversation with your manager about your career path. But, be realistic. If you are ambitious, amazing at what you do, go above and beyond, and there is room to move up, then it will happen.
However, career growth does take time. It is not realistic to expect to be promoted from an entry-level independent contributor to the C-level suite in a couple of years.
I know you think that I’m exaggerating, but I’ve had similar conversations.
I remember talking with a graduate student who was still in school. He seriously expected that his very first “real job” after graduation would be a Director-level position running a large team.
Director level. With no work experience and no management experience. Yeah, sure. Keep thinking that.
Have a conversation with your manager and make a plan together. Get an honest assessment of areas where you need to focus and grow. Take advantage of all of the training and learning opportunities you can get your hands on.
Step up and get out of your comfort zone. Try, fail, and learn as often as possible.
But, never threaten to quit if you don’t get your way. Not even a subtle hint.
I’ve had that happen, so I told the employee to go ahead and quit now. No one wants to be manipulated like that.
Growth can happen without constant job-hopping
No, I don’t always think the right answer is to quit. I do believe that career growth can occur within an excellent job with a great manager. If you look at my career path, I stayed in most of my jobs for about four years each.
Yes, there are some outstanding leaders, managers, and companies. If you find that, hold onto them and it.
Working hard and being loyal to a great company and boss can do wonders for your career. You’ll often see someone’s career flourish when they follow a great leader from organization to organization.
If you have great managers and mentors who are helping you grow as they grow, then make the best of it. Talk honestly with them about your goals and plans. Work together on it.
Finally, be realistic. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. But, don’t pursue growth at all costs and lose something valuable along the way.
Quick Tip
We’ve all had bad days or weeks at work. But, if it feels like work has been bad for months, then something is wrong.
It can be hard to put your finger on the issue. It’s also challenging to think about the situation objectively when you’re upset about things.
I created a quiz to ask some questions about your current work experience. Take it to find out if it seems like you can turn things around at work or if it is time to look for a better opportunity.
Companies Offering Remote Jobs
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Blossom provides project tracking for distributed companies. Fill out this form to see if you’re a fit!