Avoid the career jump back!

Have you hit the wall at work? It’s no surprise if you honestly can’t remember the last time you learned something new or led an interesting or challenging project. Your coworkers aren’t holding-up their end of the bargain, the rumor mill is churning, and sick days are looking like a great escape – even when it means you’re really sick. You missed out on a promotion and, instead of mentoring you, your boss alternates between ignoring you and micro-managing you while challenging every decision you make. You’re surviving in the aftermath of a hiring freeze and your single digit raise left you feeling more frustrated than motivated. All signs point to the closest exit.

Beware! Taking the path of least resistance is particularly tempting when you are feeling less than your best - less optimistic, confident, creative, or competitive; less motivated, curious, or talented; less . . . (fill in the blank) than you want to be. The brightest red lights are flashing – warning you to stop and think about the work you really want to do and the future you want to create. Heed the warning and resist the urge to jump too quickly.  
Once your job search begins and you are out interviewing, remember that saying no the wrong job frees you up to say yes to the right one. So, watch for these warning signs that you are about to make a dangerous slip back:  

• Pay: When It’s less than what you make today, step away. Stop deluding yourself into believing that you’ll catch-up with incremental raises or that once you “get your foot in the door” you’ll quickly move up the ranks.
• Roles and Responsibilities: When they’re more of a blast from your past than a new and interesting challenge, take a pass.  Boredom is sure to set in a week or two and you’ll be back searching job boards.
• Hints that you are overqualified: Listen to them. What boss wants to put their job in jeopardy by hiring anyone who’s more qualified than they are?

It’s time to get your mojo back.
Here are 5 things to do before you quit:

1. Focus on what makes you great: Re-assess the strengths of your talents, personality and experience. Take the online StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment.  Search your files for reports from the prior assessments that hold the clues for leveraging your strengths. Reread positive performance reviews. Acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. Think about what you want to try and what you’d like to do more of.
2. Reach out to your mentors and former colleagues: Give to get by offering to write a LinkedIn recommendation and ask for one in exchange. Request introductions to people who work in your target industry and companies. Volunteer with organizations that you’re passionate about and find like-minded people that you want in your network. Get early alerts on job opening before they go public.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile and your resume:  Be sure to include a personal brand statement. Research the jobs you really want and start speaking that language. Use key words and phrases to bring your online profiles and resume in line with where you want to be. Watch your inbox for more interesting and challenging job suggestions from LinkedIn.
4. Stay engaged: Do great work, disengage from the rumor mill, and minimize your interactions with problem people. Think ahead to where you want to be and volunteer for projects that will give you the skills and experience you want to enhance your resume. At the end of the day, acknowledge the things you did and accomplished in support of your job change.
5. Manage your stress: Eat well and exercise. Run, swim, bike, hike, practice yoga, or pick something else to strengthen your body. Add mindfulness or meditation to quiet your mind and sustain your focus.

Good luck making your move. If you don’t want to go it alone, coaching can help you successfully navigate the inevitable twists and turns. Book your session today and get on track to do the work you really want to do – your way!