As career reinvention experts we talk to lots of people about where they are, how they got there, and what they want to become. At this point we have seen some themes that many smart, and accomplished folks have found led them to exit their current situation. There are eight clear, unmistakable danger zones. Take a look below and make every effort to avoid these traps.
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1. “…but I’m good at this”
So, it’s not something you want to do, it’s something you can do. Many people fall into this trap. It sounds good at first. Take advantage of your skills and all that. But sooner or later, it wears thin. We see this quite often with mid-career professionals. They’ve been chugging right along, doing what they do, and suddenly they realize they’ve been sucked into a void of discontent. Don’t dedicate your energy to something just because you have the ability. You deserve to be at least somewhat selective. And if you desperately want to do something that you’re not naturally good at, you always have the power to grow your skills.
2. “…but I need the money.”
It sounds like such an obviously bad idea and yet, so many people fall for this one. Money isn’t enough to keep you happy for long. Yes, we all have financial needs that must be met. But, if that’s the sole reason you’re in your career, prepare for misery my friend. There are—literally—MILLIONS of ways to make money. Find something that offers another kind of satisfaction as well. Compensation comes in many forms and your paycheck is just one.
3. “…but the work is important to others”
It is ideal to do work that really matters to others. Sometimes we end up in work that people value, but it doesn’t help us meet our broader goals for our family or ourselves. Sometimes our folks who work in non-profit arena, are passionate about the impact they create but it isn’t sustainable because something else is missing. Some advice is follow your passion, which is true but not quite sufficient!
4. “…but I love doing this.”
Jumping headlong into a subject you love, like the arts or working with animals can be enticing. And for a short time is amazing! But loving your work alone, is not enough. You also have to be good at it, and be able to get paid enough to accomplish your other goals.
5. “Things will get better.”
Staying the course and hoping that things improve is a sure-fire way to waste time. If you’re in a career that’s making you miserable, it’s probably safe to say that things can’t change enough to make it worthwhile staying. Maybe they can. Maybe your awful boss will retire and you’ll be promoted and the company will be purchased. Once people are on the other side of situations, they always wonder why they didn’t do something sooner? Do what you can to improve the situation and, if things don’t change significantly and quickly, start the process of moving on. Don’t stick with it just because you feel invested. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that things will just magically get better with time.
6. “I’m afraid.”
If fear is holding you back, you’re not alone. This is the number one reason people stay in careers they don’t enjoy. The unknown path is always scary. But be honest with yourself. If you never confront your fear, you’ll never know what could have been. You don’t want to look back on your life at the age of 70 and have regrets or questions. A few calculated risks lead to a life well-lived. Maybe not always an easy or expected life, but one you can be proud of.
7. “…I know things have changed, but this is fine.”
When life throws you a curve-ball, a change at home, a health issue, a new interest, a new degree, etc… Often these changes put actions in motion that can get things out of alignment. You used to be able to handle the hours, but with your new family responsibilities it is just not possible anymore. Or you have new skills that are just not utilized fully. When your values and priorities are not aligned anymore, you know a change is inevitable. Get in front of the issue and figure out what has to change.
8. “Nothing else would be any better.”
This is the kind of thinking that takes over when you’re unhappy. You just give up. And it’s my job to remind everyone—yes, everyone—that there are ways to find happiness at work. No one is cursed with the miserable career plague. It’s a temporary state, IF you are willing to do the work. Don’t ever believe you’re stuck. The kind of thinking described above is normal and tempting. We all fall into these thought patterns on occasion. The good news is that you can snap yourself right out of it. You CAN find work you love, and that loves you back.
