Well, I’ve Been Afraid of Changin’
So goes the song by Fleetwood Mac…
Stevie Nicks said that she wrote the song while contemplating either going back to school or continuing with her singing career.
A lot of great music has been inspired by artists undergoing personal change . . . in fact there are more than 30 Billboard hits around this one topic. Besides, “Landslide” a few of my other favorites are “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, “Wind of Change” by the Scorpions, and “A Change Would Do You Good” by Sheryl Crow.
Great songs can go a long way in helping us process life’s biggest challenges and will often provide the courage to tackle whatever crazy that may be put in our path. That’s because music provides perspective and sometimes can be audacious enough to give the rhythm needed to transform.
If only there was a song to sing to help us determine when it’s the right time to leave a job in pursuit of something new.
It can be a very hard decision and it’s one that I often get asked about as a coach especially during the past two years as record numbers of employees contribute to The Great Resignation.
I don’t have a song containing all the answers, yet I do have three things that I believe are prominent signs that it’s time to pick up a new tune:
1. If you can’t be your authentic self. The ability to “be you” at work creates benefits for you and your employer. Being someone else’s version of you is exhausting and will prohibit you from sharing your true opinions and ideas. Not only will this make you feel disingenuous, but it will also hurt your employer because they don’t have the opportunity to make decisions and act based on various perspectives and well-rounded information. Being the true you will heighten your sense of well-being and make you a more valuable employee and teammate.
2. If your core values are compromised. There’s only one you – and as such – you shouldn’t be a different person at work than you are elsewhere. Core values are guidelines or principals that are important to you or lines that you feel shouldn’t be crossed. As such, your values should align or compliment those valued in your work culture. An alignment in values will provide satisfaction and fulfillment – yet a misalignment can show up in reduced confidence levels and even result in depression. So, what are your values? Mine are helping, authenticity, adventure, creativity, and appreciation.
3. If you aren’t learning. Do you know the definition of the circle of insanity? It’s doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results – nothing drains my soul more. Research shows that learning keeps your brain active and helps us adapt to change. Learning can fight off boredom and keep you engaged. So, if you aren’t learning, you’re not only hurting your brain, but you’re also hurting your employer.
I know first-hand that making the decision to leave a role or an employer isn’t easy. Yet don’t you deserve a place that allows you to be the best version of you? I think MJ may have said it best . . .
I’m gonna make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
What change will you make?