Killswitch Engage...Your Job

“Things don’t feel quite right in this job.  It’s not that the people are bad, aren’t committed to doing good work, or are disengaged.  But there’s something missing…it’s hard to describe.  I get along with my colleagues, but somehow I don’t think I fit here anymore.”

Have you ever felt this way? It can be a lonely and scary place, particularly in an economy as tight as this one.  But what should you do? Maybe the time is right to begin looking for something new?  It’s almost an impossible topic considering the staggering unemployment rate right now though, isn't it?

“…somehow I don’t think I fit here anymore…”  That voice keeps pushing you.

Hopeless to Hopeful

Before you hit the kill switch on your current position, invest the time and develop a search strategy.  There are great resources available to help you make good decisions, not hurried or emotional ones. Simply because you happen to be in a difficult spot right now doesn’t mean you’ll be there forever.  In fact, it can be quite empowering to make the decision to leave a position that simply is not satisfying at all.  I know, because I’ve been there.

Burning Bridges Are Difficult to Cross

I recently interviewed someone who is frustrated in his current position.  He’s bright, motivated and eager to be in an environment that has hacked up traditional HR.  But he went out of his way to avoid criticizing his current employer.  Instead, he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity that exists in moving out of his current role versus tearing down his employer.  Big difference - and one that did not go unnoticed.

How About You

Are you feeling like you are the “bad fit” at work?  It’s okay.  Take control of your life, form a plan, and move ahead. Nothing lasts forever, including the nagging feeling you’re experiencing right now.  Let me know if I can help.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pic courtesy of killswitch

Unmet Expectations

My father passed away ten years ago, and from the time I was a young boy I can remember him telling me about his best friend.  They did everything together: pretended to be Charlie Chan detectives, went fishing, played on the high school basketball team and were President and Vice President of the Student Body.  Both of them had tremendous potential, and after high school went off to pursue their dreams.

Finding A Calling

My father pursued his dream of becoming a concert pianist, first at Ithaca College and then at Yale.  It was only after he was a year into his Graduate studies that he felt called by God and switched to the Divinity School.  He went on to have a successful career as a United Methodist Minister.

His friend however did not see his dreams realized in the same way.  He headed off to Colgate University but never quite found his place in the world.  Following graduation he worked in the newspaper business although he had not studied advertising.  He just seemed to make his way along the path that presented itself to him.

Unrealized Expectations

What is it about planning, goal-setting, and personal expectations that fill us with such hope?  I sometimes wonder if everyone is as hungry for the next step along the career journey as I am.  Often the next step is a bold new approach to making my organization stronger, or more current, or….well, it could be anything other than remaining stagnant and using the good ‘ol days as an excuse to avoid trying something new.  When we see the world passing us by, do we start to feel as if we have not fully met the personal expectations we set for ourselves so many years ago?

How About You

Think back to when you were “just starting out.”  What expectations did you have for yourself?  Were you going to graduate from college, or land a management job, or own your own firm?  How are you doing so far?  How about those around you that are struggling…how are you helping them realize their full potential?

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pic courtesy of bjorn