“How’s your job going?” A common enough question, but instead of answering with the usual: “Not bad thanks”, you tell the truth. You describe a relentless cycle of routines, where you make little progress, cornered by a controlling boss, feeling unfulfilled and overwhelming paperwork.
At one time, you had a passion for your work, but that spark has gone. Now you are stuck between a strong desire to move on and the terror of an unknown future.
You may have the following thoughts:
- ‘Will I regret giving up so much – what about my years of service, a good salary?’
- ‘Is it foolish to step into unchartered territory and start afresh?’
- ‘What if I risk my security, is the grass actually greener on the other side or am I making a huge mistake?’
Here are my top 4 strategies on deciding whether you should take the leap.
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Talk to someone
Once you recognise you are stuck, it is helpful to talk through your dilemma with someone you trust or a coach. An objective listener will help you get off the merry go round of thoughts in your head, helping you to objectively analyse each fear, and seek out the best way forward.
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Go on a Retreat!*
A retreat is not about retreating from life.
Retreats are not about ‘switching off’.
The opposite is true.
Because you are free from the distraction of work, phones, TV, facebook, demands on your time – you move closer to what is most important in your life. The quiet and peaceful time associated with retreats can help you to “switch on” a part of your mind where reflection and wisdom lies.
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What values are in conflict
We all have values that are important to us. Your values will help you choose your next move. For example, imagine if “loyalty” was an important to you. You may feel obliged to stay as leaving would look “disloyal” to your team. That being said another value such as “fairness” will be telling you that staying put in a job which is making you feel miserable, is neither fair to yourself or those you work with.
So these two values, loyalty and fairness, are pushing and pulling you.
By asking questions related to your values you will be able to evaluate what is most important to do and what action you need and want to take.
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Identify the worst-case scenario
Once you identify what the worst-case scenario is you can put it to the test. For example, what if you find a new job that has a lower salary, would you still be able to pay the mortgage? Would changing jobs now mean it’ll take longer to get to the next level in your career?
More often than not, worst case scenarios are based on assumptions generated by fear. Challenging these assumptions will help you find a way of managing the change you want to make.
Through personal experience, your gut feeling will tell you when it’s time to move on and it’s just the fear of the unknown that is telling you to stay. Change can be daunting but it can also be liberating and exciting.
Please contact me for more information about managing change.
And check out our next Mindfulness and Pilates retreat in Andulucia