Leaving your current position can be difficult. Maybe you aren't happy with your employer due to change in leadership. Maybe there is lack of career progression for you. Maybe you can see the writing on the wall for the future of the organization. Maybe you are tired of the commute and would like a better work life balance. Maybe you are just simply bored in your role and are ready for a new change. All of these points (and more) can be legitimate reasons to make a career change, however it's still hard to leave sometimes. But why?

There is no magic time to make a move. We put pressure on ourselves to stay when we may have stayed too long...aka locked in by "the corporate golden handcuffs". We put pressure on ourselves to stay when we haven't put enough time in as we don't want to be viewed as a job hopper. You don't want to disappoint peers or leaders that you have respect for. No matter when you decide to make a move, the question will always be the same: So why did you leave?

I can't answer that question for you, but I can share this with you: Staying stagnant in a role that isn't a fit will not inspire you for very long. And if you aren't inspired, you should be thinking about a career change. There are 3 steps to take if you are considering making a change. Are you ready?

GET BRAVE.

This sounds silly. It's not. You are going to need to be BRAVE if you are seriously contemplating making a career change. This means you have to be ready to say YES to the right job offer. If you are not really serious about making a change, you aren't ready to go. Making a move can feel risky and uncertain. It can also be the best decision you have ever made.

KNOW YOUR WORTH.

Aside from your compensation package, know your personal worth. What do you bring to the table? What experiences have you had that you can now translate into future successes? Are you ready to tell your story? (note I didn't say "fairy tale") Knowing your worth can help you to understand how you can contribute to an organization....which can be rewarding and inspiring. Practice the parts of your story that you want to share. Make notes of your accomplishments. Focus on your learning's to determine what is most important to you - and guide your career that that direction.

START NETWORKING

If you are reading this, you are on LinkedIn. Good start! Is your profile up to date? Are you using a universal language in your profile vs. acronyms specific to your present employer? Inside and outside of LinkedIn: Are you reaching out to people in a meaningful way? Are you engaging those that reach out to you? Networking is a two way street. You get what you give, but sometimes you have to give more then what you may get in return. Be prepared to do so. Be genuine. Be available. Step outside of your comfort zone if needed. Consider another point of view. Networking isn't just about knowing someone to land a job - it's about meeting the people who make up an organization that may be of future interest - learning the values of a company and what attracts it's employees.

I understand - this sounds easier said than done....BUT if you really think about it....it's not that difficult. You are either ready or not ready - it's your decision. However, if you are feeling the least bit uninspired in your role....I challenge you to GET BRAVE, KNOW YOUR WORTH and START NETWORKING.

And if you do....keep me posted when you say YES to the next chapter of your career.

#AtMerckImInspired











