Career or Life – Inside & Out?

Many people are confronted, including me, by the cross-roads we may reach in our careers. These are the places where we have different choices that will likely take us down different paths, for a short time or a long time.

Inside

Ever heard the saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for ‘ ? You may have been targeting a promotion for sometime, let’s call it Job A. This new role may mean lots more money, seniority, responsibility, perks – sounds fantastic, right? Flip the coin – you may be under significant more pressure, working longer hours, travelling non-stop. Job A is an 80% to 100% ramp up, very challenging and maybe this is what you love.

So what about the other role, Job B. This new role may be a little more money, no seniority or perks and similar responsibility but in a new line of business – Yawn ?! But hang on – you may be able to spend the next 12 to 24 months learning a new line of business, be able to maintain your current Work Life Balance. You become a more well-rounded employee with more diverse experience. Job B is a 20% to 40% ramp up; it’s a slight move sideways with a nudge forward.

Job A is a strong career play but there will be a cost. You will learn a lot, be a more attractive employee, and have better prospects outside your company. Job B is a more balanced career & life play. You will learn a new business and be well placed for your next move; on the basis you did a good job.

Outside

Many people entertain looking outside their current employer. Like going to a competitor or a small start-up. I have a friend who did this recently; he left with a skip in his step and dreams of the future. He was right to dream and the skills he obtained from his old employer allowed him to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, the organisation he went to was less than professional and tried to cut his pay by 50% within 60 days. He resigned the same week.

So jobs on the outside come with different considerations, quality of the organisation, management, history, market presence. You also need to make an assessment of the equivalent role to the one you are going for versus similar in your company. It’s great to become a Director in a new company but not if you are also the Office Admin Person.

So what’s the point I hear you say? Think before you jump! Think before you race into the new BIG role or going outside. I am not saying don’t be ambitious, please do – but also understand what you are getting yourself into and how that will impact your life and relationships.

Are you facing this decision now? If Yes, let me know and what you are thinking! Please rate this article too…Thanks