Are You in a Work Situationship?
As we approach the New Year with a renewed focus on our individual goals and aspirations, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the idea that we must examine our relationship with our job or career. This is especially challenging if we have been doing the same thing for a long time and can’t imagine leaving the comfort and security of what we know. But, like everything else in our lives, we must be prepared to step out of our comfort zone if we truly wish to thrive.
In the midst of a global pandemic and in the belly of the holiday beast, I decided it would be a great idea to change companies and jobs in December of 2020. I accepted an executive role, in a major global organization, and two months later, I founded my first business (Lacuna). In hindsight, I realize that I put myself in a potentially dangerous situation that could have caused burnout or demotivation. What I found instead, was that I had disconnected myself from my career potential and was desperately looking for a way to rekindle the romance and reimagine our future together.
I had always received support from my friends and family, and I was encouraged to explore the possibility that all my years of work and education could serve a higher vision. I didn’t leave my job, partly because I am an overachiever, but mostly because I love what I do. For me, building a business wasn’t about quitting (remember I just got there), but it was about ownership, creative control, inspiration, and most of all- legacy. It reminded me that I had gotten distracted, lax about my development, and disengaged with the reason I chose this profession in the first place. I wasn’t in a situationship with my job, but I was in one with my career. It was the jolt I needed to renew my vows and reignite the flame of professional passion- I fell in love all over again!
If you are worried that you may be in a similar position, the first step is to become aware of your experience and identify the root cause. It is possible that you can restore your connection (just like I did), but it may also be time to move on. Either way, start with a mini assessment of of your current status and then put one foot in front of the other as you walk your path to fulfillment and alignment.
There are very clear signs or red flags that a job/career situationship is happening. As you reflect on where you are and where you want to be, consider these 7 warning signs:
You don’t talk about your future at your company/in your job
You are mostly there out of convenience (money, people you know, etc.)
You and your manager are not having strategic discussions about your development, and you don’t have a career plan
You are not as interested in building relationships with people at work (or you find it difficult to do so)
You aren’t being challenged or feel bored
You haven’t been given opportunities to learn like others
If you are honest, what you are doing is not in alignment with your long term aspirations
If you are looking for support as you figure out what to do next, I am here to help. Reach out for a GROWTH coaching consultation and let’s build a plan together. Reach out here