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I shared the top last month Things I’ve learned in 40 years (almost) 40 years and the responses were astounding. But the tip that got me the most feedback was the number 24: You’re never too late to do what you want to do. I hope that your life is constantly pivoting and evolving as you grow closer to what enlightens you. You’re never too late to make a career change, you’re on time, your time.
Many responded that they needed this souvenir and permission to take a different path, and some were happy to explain heard someone almost 40 say that. I’m not sure about you, but that feeling is going on loudly in the circle of my friends right now with many who are going through a period of transition, especially professionals.
Recently one of these friends asked, “How do you know when it’s time to quit your job or do something different?” I was very happy to respond. I long for change, I love the pivot and I am never content. Although I know my advice is subjective, here’s what I knew was time for change and the questions I’m using to measure for future pivots:
1. I’m on the coast and I’m attractive. When I am a passive participant in the mission and I am actively involved with what I am involved in and working on, this is often very expressive. I know that anything can happen to my level of excitement, but when the feeling of the coast arises, I take it as a real sign.
2. I have been in the same role for years and there is no growth opportunity on the horizon. I don’t mind being in a company for a few years while I know there are opportunities to grow and learn within the business. And I don’t mean to take on new clients or projects, I mean side growth to extend myself and skills to the next level. When things don’t move, I tend to make the move.
3. Am I having a good time? Fun is one of my core core values, so I check with myself every month and ask this question. I realize that every day is not a party, but in general, does the work enlighten me and allow me to create a space for fun inside and out? By the way, this question and invitation comes to me a lot in dating as well. If I don’t have a good time, it’s time to re-evaluate the situation.
4. Compensation is not an industrial sector. Pro-tip friends: Learn what others do in similar roles outside of your organization. If you are directly wondering whether to simply learn the conversations, it is important to know. If you’re paid very little by industry standards, you’re better off. Defend yourself (and your future!). I am grateful to feel comfortable sharing my friendly group of friends and we encourage each other to defend and demand our value.
5. Business or corporate culture is not in line with my values. I can’t imagine working in a company that didn’t value the same thing I did. To represent a brand I don’t believe in would be to live from alignment and wholeness. I’ve been in this situation in the past and often sharing a concern can lead to change, so don’t back down, organizations need our voice to respond to them.
6. How is my work valued? I love the comments and not the “good work” but the quarterly truthful review and clarity to find out how my work is impacting the business and areas of opportunity for growth and success. A few years ago I worked in a quiet company and leader. At the end of the year I asked him if we could consider the time for a formal review. His response was “You did well. I’ll let you know when you don’t know.” That kind of response tells me they don’t value me, I’m a wheeled gear, and it was lazy. All the things that pushed me to leave.
7. Other companies are catching my eye with their innovation. I like to stay connected to what they’re doing with other brands and keep my ears on the ground, mostly because they relate to my mission and line of work. In addition, I have always found it beneficial to take coffees, learn more about their organization, and be open and aware of what is possible if I were to join their team. It’s that I’ve found so many job opportunities, and I’ve noticed that when I’m piqued by curiosity it leaves me open to moving forward.
8. Willingness to try new things. When the desire to do something different is greater than the desire to stay, I know it’s time to move on. There’s not much more, I can’t blur that light and I usually have to act on that.
9. I am not innovating. When my ideas are bright and I can’t find areas to grow or expand, it usually means I’m lacking inspiration and motivation and it’s time to be curious about what might be next. Normally, traveling or going to a conference can spark ideas, but when I can’t hold on to that new impetus or energy, I know it’s time to look outside of my current role.
10. Am I falling back from living my dream? Have you ever dreamed of sitting at your computer and doing something different? The question I ask you is: what lets you continue? Back to Tip 24: It’s never too late to do what you want to do. When I sat at my desk dreaming of a new role, I did everything I could to plant the seeds and build the foundations to finally achieve that. Curiosity, hundreds of coffee encounters, and “putting my head out there” bore fruit. Don’t hold back.
These tips are personal to me and don’t take into account typical things like a toxic work environment or an aggressive workload. Readers, I’m curious: how do you know when it’s time to make a change?
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