South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
A year of yes, not just yearning
Lay groundwork for a career leap
Is this the year you finally, without hesitation, jump into a position with a new employer or finally start your own business, or make another, equally bold move?
Start planning today. The first few months of the year are an optimal time to seek employment opportunities because hiring managers typically get their budgets approved, so it’s easier to snag solid, competitive compensation.
This also could be a great time to start a business, or perhaps to go after a big project at work or to ask for a welldeserved raise.
The beginning of the year is a great time to make a clean professional start. Everyone seems to have more energy as we settle into the new year because many of us are looking forward rather than backward. And most people aren’t taking vacation days yet, so approval processes don’t get delayed.
Of course, all is not golden when it comes to shopping for a career or jumping into another company’s culture. That’s why every employee preparing to take a leap of faith should prepare for the experience.
Even workers who are enthusiastic about exploring new opportunities may find themselves feeling a variety of emotions.
Guilt can show up more strongly than one might expect. If you’ve always been seen as a loyalist, you may feel as though you are betraying management and co-workers by moving on. And the same can be true if you have developed strong ties with clients throughout the years but can’t take those clients along for the ride.
Fear is another common emotion among job hunters, even after snagging a new gig. After all, a new job may not be better than an old job. It’s always a risk to leave one company for another opportunity.
Still other, more positive, feelings will rise to the surface. Relief comes to mind, as does excitement. These energizing emotions will help temper more negative responses and drive you to move toward something better.
Motivated to make a career move? Use these strategies to maximize your success and minimize the emotional downsides through the transition.
1. Follow your bliss
Too often, job seekers are guided by what other people think they should do when they look for roles in other companies. They think about what their friends would say, whether they’re being competitive, how much they want to make, and a host of other typical considerations.
Yet they don’t always think about what will make them feel satisfied.
Before saying “yes” to any offer, even if it seems like a no-brainer, ask yourself if you’ll truly enjoy getting up and going to work for the company. Are you leaning toward it for the right reasons? Or are you about to take the plunge out of a feeling of obligation, or desperation?
2. Treat the breakup positively
For many people, leaving a job can feel like a divorce. However, it doesn’t have to have a negative lasting effect. You can keep things friendly with your former boss and co-workers by leaving graciously, finishing up projects before you go and allowing plenty of time for your employer to backfill your role.
Tony Delmercado, chief operating officer at Hawke Media, a top digital marketing partner, suggests that no matter why you decide to make a break, “your separation doesn’t have to be ugly or unproductive. In fact, a job can end so positively, it might surprise you.”
Remain an asset to the team until the moment you leave the building so you don’t burn any bridges. After a month or so has gone by, consider grabbing a cup of coffee with your old boss or initiate a happy hour with former colleagues.
It’s nice to do so, and you also might want to rely on these people for help down the road.
3. Drop a new anchor
You can expect the first weeks at a new place of employment to be filled with a bit of anxiety, especially if you’re naturally introverted. Remain invested in your decision to move on. Spend more time making a place for yourself in your new world instead of reminiscing about what you left behind.
If you’re not sure how to drop an anchor, try a few tricks, such as rearranging your workspace to fit your needs and seeking a connection with at least one colleague. Invite someone to lunch or coffee.
And if you’re still not happy, perhaps it’s time to start your own business.