New Year, New Job? SPARCing A Personal Plan

New Year…New Job?!

Happy New Year! The new year SPARCs a fire under us to set new resolutions and new goals. It’s a clean slate to try to get things right, and this year is no different. In fact, many of us are more eager than ever to seize every moment and live up to our maximum potential considering all the lessons 2020 taught us, namely to never take things for granted again. With this new fire to live our lives to the fullest, some of you might be considering a career change. But before you decide to leave your current role, I wanted to share a few mindset shifts that might make you view your situation in a new way! 

#1: Be clear about your career goals.
      I’ve had a diverse career, including retail, customer service, teaching, entrepreneurship, being a stay-at-home mom, and of course, Human Resources. One thing I always knew about myself was that I love people, relationships, and all the unique intricacies that come with both. This has been the recurring theme throughout my life and career, and an awareness of this passion is what allowed me to make strategic career moves to get me closer and closer to the exact, right position for me. So, before jumping from one ship onto what appears to be the next bigger, shinier ship, consider if that jump is leading you closer to your desired outcome (your ideal position/dream job) or if it’s simply something different than what you’re currently doing. If the jump is merely something different that doesn’t necessarily help lead you toward your personal and professional goals, it’ll only be a matter of time before you find yourself back in this situation where you’re feeling unfulfilled and looking to make yet another career move. Do you have a habit of leaving a position as soon as you feel bored or as soon as you face some level of difficulty? If so, perhaps it’s time to get clear about your goals and the steps and habits you might need to make or change in order to reach them.

#2: Ask for what you need.
     As I’ve gotten older, more self-aware, more confident in who I am and what I have to offer, it has become easier and easier to speak up and ask for what I want. As we discover more and more about our authentic selves, our faith in ourselves grows and our fears diminish. Perhaps you’re considering making a career move because you’re not currently getting what you believe you’re worth in your current position. Don’t be afraid to ask. The ball is in your court either way: either you’ll get what you ask for, or you won’t, and then the ball’s in your court to decide what you want to do as a result of not getting what you want!         

Believe you’re worthy of a raise?
Have that discussion with your Supervisor. Believe you’re ready to take on more challenging responsibilities?
Let your Supervisor know.
Like any relationship, we must give our current partner (in this case, our Supervisor/employer) the opportunity to give us what we need before assuming that they never will and moving on to the next one. Unfortunately, we can’t read each other’s minds, so if there is something you need, it’s your responsibility to ask for it. The worst that could happen is they say, “no”, and I’m living proof that being told “no” won’t kill you! So, before going after the other corporate fish in the sea, I encourage you to ask your current catch for what you need.

#3: Recognize that no one (including you) is perfect.
     Just as we don’t get to choose the family we’re born into, we don’t get to choose our work family; I mean, we can choose to accept or decline a job offer, but once we’ve accepted, we are thrown into relationship with our managers, team members, clients, and other stakeholders. Personalities, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses are going to differ. It’s inevitable. Hopefully, you work in a place that values direct communication, consistent feedback, lifelong learning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. But understand that no person or workplace is going to be perfect. If your employer is committed to listening to your concerns when problems arise, learning how to improve, and implementing changes where necessary, then I’d say you’ve got an employer that is worthy of being given a chance. Voice your concerns and be willing to be a part of the change. Commit to showing up as your best self each day, which will require doing some personal and professional development of your own. When you are willing to give second chances, those around you will be more inclined to give YOU a second chance when you inevitably need one. So ask yourself if the conditions that are making you consider leaving are fixable. If so, maybe instead of finding a new job, you could focus on finding a resolution to your current challenges. I hope this New Year brings you closer to all that your heart desires!

Love & Light,
    Leasha


Tip for De-stressing While Working:
     Whether you’re working in the office or working from home, keeping a small plant on your desk/work station could help you to de-stress and lift your mood. The catch is that it has to be a REAL plant! No fakers allowed because part of the reason why the plant helps to de-stress you is because it is something that you will have to water and take care of. Seeing the growth in something you care for gives you happy, fulfilled vibes! And for an added perk: Now you’ve got an excuse to go plant shopping! You’re welcome!