Make Big Moves
As someone who has held multiple jobs since graduating from college I often hear comments from people, like “You have another job?” or “You’re leaving again?” or “You switched companies? Whether intentional or not, these off-hand remarks come with a slightly negative undertone. I am hear to say this, listen but don’t let these comments impact you.
1) Most people have no idea what you do. They no idea what you want to do. They have no idea what path you are on. No idea what your goals are. And to be quite candid, they don’t really care all that much, they have their own life to worry about much much more. We all have our own journey to live, why let a few people’s opinions derail your journey.
2) The world is changing at a rapid pace. In fact, Ninety-one percent of Millennials (born between 1977-1997) expect to stay in a job for less than three years, according to the Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” survey of 1,189 employees and 150 managers.” That equals between 15 - 20 jobs over the course of their working lives. A far cry from the days of working at 1 or 2 companies your entire career.
Don’t sweat it. In fact, embrace the diversity of having multiple career experiences.
To further expand on this notion that you must stay at one job forever, The Great Resignation is happening as millions of workers are quitting. "I think the pandemic has changed my mindset in a way, like I really value my time now," says Jonathan Caballero Caballero, a software developer from Maryland. As we begin to emerge into this new normal, U.S. workers are beginning to emerge with a new focus on what matters most including flexibility and happiness, leading to a massive increase in resignations — a record 4 million people quit their jobs in April alone, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
3) Technology is creating new ways for us to communicate with each other, from virtually anywhere in the world. The pandemic has proven this is not only the future but it’s here to stay. Companies are introducing flexible work arrangements to attract and retain talent. Furthermore, there has been an increase in startups, solopreneurs, consulting, and people willing to take chances on themselves. Today the idea of working in one job or for one company is very unlikely simply based on how quickly the world is changing. Some business models simply aren’t built to last 100 years. They have a brilliant idea, market it at the right time, and then exit the market once it has passed. Nothing wrong with that. When it comes to choosing a job(s), I am firm believer that having a diverse set of experiences, relationships, and skills, sets people apart from others in both career and personal growth.
Now I think it’s important to note, there is no one size fits all approach. To be successful you don’t need to leave your current company. For many people in great growth oriented businesses, opportunity is right there waiting. You can make big moves to another department or a new job function. Making big moves can happen internally and externally.
To everyone scared to make that move from that job they’ve comfortably held, or that individual who is struggling to find opportunity to grow in their current role. Make that move to a team or leader you want to work with. Or make that move across country. Or make that move down the street to the startup that is doing great things. But seek opportunities.
The worst result, it doesn’t work out. But you will meet new people, build a new network, and learn new skills that you’ll take with you. That is invaluable.
Nothing great comes from standing still.
A wise person once told me, Make Big Moves.
Nobody ever incremented their way to greatness.