I sometimes get asked about managing one’s career. Today I came across a blog post that has many of the same ideas and advice I pass on to others. While I don’t agree with everything on the list, there are a particular few I think are vital:
- If you aren’t being challenged in your job – leave.
- If you think you are successful – leave and find something or somewhere where you aren’t. When you become successful again – leave again.
- If your work is winning awards and it feels like you win most pitches – leave and go somewhere where no one has won anything and there is a low rate of success at pitches. Help them turn it around.
Now you might be saying, “but Matt I have kids to feed and billz to pay! I can’t just quit my job!” The word ‘leave’ doesn’t necessarily mean quit. If you’ve mastered the role you’re working in, it’s a good time to think about moving laterally within the same company, taking on more responsibility, or transferring to another department.
The #1 lesson here is do not get lazy. If you’re not pushing yourself at work, you’re not growing your career.
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I agree. For anyone that wants to progress in their career, seeking out newer challenges is a must. As soon as a job starts to get stale, it’s because you’ve peaked at it and need to seek out bigger goals to achieve. Of course, you have made a very good point about seeking to expand laterally rather than leaving the existing job.
This is an interesting view on career management. It might not be as satisfying to always leave a job when you feel you’ve become successful. You may want to bask in the glory and enjoy the benefits of your good work. You may be limiting your career more if you don’t remain in an area where you have success.
Absolutely true
In the most cases when someone offers you something better you will be motivated leaving your job. A few are the ones that constantly tries to find good opportunities and struggle to do more.
I have read the lifetime of a manager is very short lived as most either leave to find better or they retrenched before rising any higher
Thats true! until unless we will not force ourselves towards work, we can’t learn new things
I agree with this “The word ‘leave’ doesn’t necessarily mean quit.” I quit my previous job because there was no room for career improvement and then I tried a small business but it was not successful. I never gave up that is why I keep on looking online opportunities like blogging, etc.
Great post. Short and to the point. If you get lazy and “comfortable” in your job you are opening yourself up to more hurt if you end up losing your job since you aren’t performing as well.
It is a lot better to be busy than be bored.
Loved this!
You are right.
If one really wants to keep momentum, you have be in the market in order to keep challanging your self
Hi,
You could have not said it any better, i enjoyed your your lessons very much and i will stay tuned for more.
Cheers,
Lilly
That’s good tips to grow in one’s career!
Absolutely agree with you. People should look at the broader perspective & plan their move accordingly. It should not be a emotional decision or just looking at it as EASY MONEY.