A blessing in disguise from COVID
We have all seen the headlines about available jobs but few people are willing to apply for them. One excuse was that generous unemployment insurance benefits initially made it more profitable to stay home instead of looking for a job. It has also led to an increase in depression, and stress on families.
But speak with HR managers and the explanation is often far different.
As “Sarah,” a 10-year HR veteran in the IT staffing field told me, “When asked, ‘Why don’t you want to come back to work?’ so often we hear, “I just want to do something else, but right now, I don’t really know what, and I’m a bit afraid of doing much of anything outside of what I know.’”
Sarah admitted, “I also feel that way and just wish there was a by-thenumbers guidebook on steps I can take to start my own company. Dennis, have you got any suggestions?”
I do indeed and just finished reading a timely prescription for anyone who wants to make that jump from one career to another, or to becoming an entrepreneur. In fact, that is the title of bestselling author Kim Perell’s new book, “Jump.”
Laid off at her first job out of college at an internet startup that went bankrupt, Kim began a journey as an entrepreneur from her kitchen table with a $10,000 loan from her 80-year-old grandmother, and grew the company to over $100 million in annual revenue.
I asked Kim, “When thinking of the people who want something better in their lives — to literally jump out of where they are now, but just don’t — what are the biggest mistakes they are making?”
1. Wait until you are ready
Consequences: You will never be ready! You will never have 100% of the skills you believe necessary to take that ideal job. If you have at least 70%80% of the qualifications needed, STILL apply for it! Believe in yourself, trust in your ability and take the risk.
2. Wait for the perfect opportunity — the perfect time
Consequences: You will wait forever. There is no perfect time. Right now there are a record number of job openings in the U.S.
3. Think, ‘I don’t have time to look for a different job or start a business.’
Consequences: There are 24 hours in a day — after accounting for sleep and work, there are several free hours. Use the time to make this exploration a priority! Excuses will only keep you where you are; action will bring you closer to success.
4. Allow your fears of the unknown to be paralyzing
Consequences: There’s no growth or challenge in the comfort-zone. While your fears and anxieties may be valid, they should not stop you from moving forward. Use your fear as fuel, not an excuse.
5. Fail to ask: ‘What is the worst that can happen if I don’t make a change?’
Consequences: You will stay stuck, and will never truly learn your potential for growth if you keep doing the same thing and expect to feel different. Avoiding change will stifle your happiness and growth.
6. Think, ‘I don’t need a plan. I will figure it out.’
Consequences: Even lacking a 100% clear goal, still, you need a plan that will get you out of your current situation into something new. You would not go on a hike in a forest without a map, and the same applies to a career change.
Establish a success plan of one year, two years, and so on.
7. Think, ‘I can do this alone!’
Consequences: You will not be able to leverage your network for help or find a mentor to guide you. Most people want to help. The majority of employers want applicants who are referred by people they trust. Begin by asking your friends and family for connections or if they know of job openings.
8. Think, ‘I don’t have a choice.’
Consequences: You stay stuck. The truth is you do have a choice. It may be a difficult one to make but that doesn’t mean you don’t have one. It’s always scary making a change, but regret is far scarier. 9. Think, ‘I am too old to make a change.’
Consequences: You will miss out on chances for future success. Belief in your abilities and competence is critical. It’s never too late to venture into an area where you have the basic skills needed to succeed. Inspiration and innovation can come at any age. The world is changing faster than ever, and no matter your age, you can evolve right along with it.
10. Think that belief is enough to get your business started
Consequences: Simply believing there is a market for your idea or product isn’t enough. Do your research, educate yourself on the competitive landscape.
11. Fail to assemble the right team
Consequences: You need honest people who will level with you and this includes an experienced business lawyer and an accountant. Your chances for success diminish greatly without them. Life and business are team sports.
Concluding our interview, with a broad smile, Kim says, “I even tell my kids, I want you to jump instead of standing still!”