Career Decisions

By Ryan Lamar on Wednesday, March 04, 2009

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By email, a good piece to reflect on...

AN OPEN ADVICE ABOUT CAREER DECISIONS:

Several of my staff has approached me lately about their careerdecisions. I really appreciate my staff opening up to me. It is quite reassuring to know that they're still having second thoughts aboutleaving. Here is part of the email I sent to a "confused" staff:
I have worked for more than 5 companies already so I guess you mightbe correct in saying I have had considerable experience about leaving andmoving on. I will not stop you nor tell you to leave, though of course itwill be better if you stay. In any career decision, leaving or staying Ibelieve, based from my personal experiences and as an HR professional,should only be done for the right reasons.

For one, you shouldn't leave because you don't like several peoplein the company, nor should you stay because of the friends you have madehere. At the end of the day, it is your life. Your friends or "enemies"should not make or break your career. If you let them be the decidingfactor, then maybe you should think twice. You are the craftsman of yourfate and the captain of your ship. Captain Hook shouldn't be one of yourworries!

Do not leave nor stay because of the "brand" of your company. Ifthat was the case, I would have rushed off and sign my JO in "C"! Askyourself whether you want to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fishin a bigger pond. Know your priorities. Only you can answer that.

Do not leave the company because you're so damn frustrated about theway things are being run, or stay because you have this "messianiccomplex" that you can change things overnight. Be realistic about thethings. Learn to accept that there is no perfect company. Be acceptingthat change is a slow and painful process at times and be thankful thatyou realize and act on things that can be changed and improved.Definitely, do not leave or stay just because your parents want youto. I know I am advocating obedience to parents but again, we are talkingabout YOUR career. But learn to value their wisdom and discern well.

Money isn't everything. The package being offered now might bebetter but look at the long-term prospects. Do not leave or stay justsolely on the compensation package. Look for growth prospects and reviewtheir career plans for you. Your immediate gains today might actually be aloss a few years from now if you do the Math.

Boredom is another challenge all professionals are faced with duringlull periods in their career. Do not leave because you have become sobored with your job. Do not stay either because you want things as theyare. Change is inevitable in any organization. Talk to your boss. Ask formore responsibilities or other tasks if you're bored. Enroll in a specialcourse. If you're satisfied with the status quo and is just waiting forretirement hoping things will stay the same, you're in for a bigdisappointment - either you will be forced to change or you will be forcedto leave. Be ready before that time comes. Boredom or complacency isperennial battle most professionals have to deal with. Arm yourself withcreativity everyday!

Tonight I suggest you rest well. Sit still and listen to what He issaying. PRAY. I have always made my career decisions through His guidance.He was and still is my Career Adviser/Talent Manager. Your work, our work,is a vocation. He knows us more than we know ourselves so trust Him forwhatever plans He has for you. You can never go wrong.

And remember: Use your head to get to the top. But use your heart to stay.

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