By Clive Dunne MSc. Director, Elk Recruitment
I get asked this question a lot, when is it the right time to change jobs, careers or start a business, the answer is not an easy one to determine and in my opinion varies from person to person and is completely up to the individual to conclude although to me there are some very obvious tell-tale signs its time and this question needs some deeper contemplation.
For sure, we are only on this planet for a short period of time and a large portion of our lives are spent in work or thinking about work so based on this fact alone and at a basic level work should be an enjoyable and productive experience or at the very least it should meet our basic needs and make our lives and the lives of our loved ones comfortable, if not? there is something we need to change and change quick.
At a deeper level, whilst in work we all have motivating factors for being there, whether that’s progress, success, control or money there is always a reason. Bottom line, if you are in work and your motivating factors are not been met then it’s time to change no matter what. Time waits for no man, so if its fear that prevents you from making the change, understand that death awaits us all whether we like it or not and this for me is the one statement that helps me refocus and gets me through difficult decisions or situations, so find your statement!
“Your fear may be becoming what you know you can be, whilst my fear is not becoming what I know I can be”
I never had it easy and everything I achieved even now is only achieved through grit and determination and do you know what? I would not have it any other way as it makes you strong, “it’s not about how many times you can get hit, it’s about how many times you can get hit and keep getting up”, same applies to your job, if it’s getting you down and not meeting your motivating needs day after day, don’t accept it, change it! Understand that this is life’s way of telling you you need to change something and remember life is short so don’t be afraid of failure, failure is important for our progress.
It’s important to point out that taking the decision to change job, career or start your own business might not be something that can be executed immediately. It may take time to plan and a change in mind-set may be necessary but taking that decision only takes an instant and trust me, making that decision will change your life forever. It won’t be easy and it will be hard, but trust your gut, be brave, listen to what your heart is telling you and most importantly you owe it to yourself to be the best person you can be and use your time on this planet to be the best at whatever profession you choose to do and if you don’t feel that right now? then it’s time to do something about it, say yes to your potential.
“Live full, die empty” – Les Brown
