Welcome to The Journey, a mini-blog dedicated to personal and organizational leadership.
As a new entrepreneur, I’m learning a lot after spending >30 years in a corporate structure and environment. It’s so exciting and terrifying. I’d like to share what I’m learning as it relates to being vulnerable, curious and growth minded. It may be messy, but please enjoy for any of the tidbits that resonate with you. Our theme this mini-issue is Job Fit.
Job Fit
Is it your role or your organization that is no longer a match?
From time to time, we may find a need to question if we are too comfortable or too uncomfortable in a job. When is it time to move on, or when is it time to seek out other growth opportunities in our own existing company?
As a nod to Mental Health Day, HBR published an article by Rachel Montanez called Is Your Job Toxic? Or Is It Just a Job?
You may not be totally clear on why your job is no longer a fit.
Here are some important elements for reflection:
- Evaluate Yourself
- Evaluate Your Workplace
- Evaluate Your Options
Evaluate Yourself
What is it that you normally value out of your work?
You may find that certain assessments can help you identify what values you hold firmly. The VIA character strengths finder is a free and helpful assessment to help you clearly identify those character strengths and values are that inform decisions and feelings about jobs and organizations.
Your top 5 strengths may show some clear signs of the disconnect you are experiencing.
Evaluate Your Workplace
Do you find a misalignment with your values, strengths and goals from those of your organization? Or do you have an opportunity to network with others across your organization to see if your needs are now served by other groups or roles?
Some red flags for you to consider – do you feel that you do not belong or that there is no room for growth?
Are you able to speak up and share ideas or be curious to ask questions? If not, this organization may lack the psychologically safe and trusted environment you may need. Identify if you are seeing any trends on when this feeling of misalignment shows up. Is it related to certain tasks, certain teams or certain individuals? Does this trend help you identify a course of action?
It’s also possible that your path now requires a different organization to continue your growth. Keep an eye out for positions that may be a fit for your goals, strengths and experience. Talk with others who may be in your network who have those jobs. There is never any harm in looking! Keep yourself informed of new opportunities.
Evaluate Your Options
According to Montanez, if you feel you may be in a toxic environment, consider speaking with your manager about this. There may be options for you to consider within your current company. Find a trusted colleague to share any concerns to ensure you are not alone. If you are feeling isolated, talk with a trusted friend, mentor or coach.
“It Could Be Worse”
According to Montanez (and personal experience), if you find yourself saying, “it could be worse” too often, this could be a red flag. Yes, this is true, but don’t you deserve better?
Another clear sign is the “Sunday Scaries” -the feeling of the dread of returning to work on Monday that begins on Sunday afternoons or evenings. If this is occurring – evaluate the topics represented earlier.
Do any of these resonate?
Misalignment between yourself (values, strengths and goals) and your work can cause stress. Pay attention to this. While we depend on our jobs for income, health benefits and self-worth – it is okay for you to find another job that allows you to find more meaning and “fit”, and still fulfill your basic needs.
You may need to ask, what is enough for me to find balance and happiness? What do I need to support my family? That “fit” depends on your circumstances.
Montanez suggests the following questions:
- Which of my strengths are relevant to my current job?
- What do I need from an organization/employer to be my best self at work?
- What is my definition of meaningful work?
- What is my definition of success?
- Does my current job or employer fit my needs for future career and personal growth?
Overall, trust your instincts, and talk with others to determine the right next course of action for yourself to find the right fit for you.