Week 32 – I’m back after having a week off as I’ve been settling into my new role. Thanks to those who have personally messaged me. It means a lot! Also, thank you to those of you who have said you really enjoy reading my blogs. Do keep sharing the blog as the more people it helps the happier I will be!
Outside of work I have met some friends who I have worked with in the past and have been providing some mentorship. It’s super rewarding and it also helps me to level up and learn from others’ viewpoints.
Last week I was lucky enough to return back to the university where I studied and I took a question and answer session with MBA students. I know how my lecturer now felt, especially when an annoying younger version of me was not listening and was talking to his peers. 😂Luckily I had a great crowd and the bonus was that nobody fell asleep (not that I could tell), and no tomatoes were thrown at the end. 🍅
Interestingly I was asked by a friend to write a blog about when to change roles or even leave a company. I know this may seem an odd blog given the climate where lots of people have been made redundant, but if the audience wants the audience gets. 😇
The aim for this week is that I would love more collaboration. It’s awesome to get messages saying that the blogs are useful, though I would love more questions and more conversation to get others’ opinions. My view is only one viewpoint and I would love to learn from you all. 🧠
Based on my own experience, I have changed roles or left a company when I no longer felt like I was learning. Key for me is feeling that I do not have the spark to get out of bed and put my ideas forward (no matter how small they may seem). This gauge has served me well and it has been beneficial for both parties.
As leaders we should also look out for signs of people being unhappy. It’s our job to ensure that our staff are happy and we are meeting not only company goals, but also employee goals.
When do people change roles? 🖐️
- There is a feeling of stress and constant tiredness.
- You do not believe in the company like you used to.
- You are watching the clock.
- You have grown out of your current role and see no opportunity for progression.
- There is a toxic environment.
- There is a lack of opportunity to learn.
- You do not align with the company values.
- There is a lack of work-life balance.
- You get anxious on a Sunday night at the thought of work on Monday.
- You are coasting and it is becoming a problem.
What to do if you tick any of the above boxes? ✅
I would recommend speaking to your leader or a trusted co-worker to see if together you can alleviate the problem. You can also take on other tasks, learn new skills or even mentor others on the team.
In some cases I have had very supportive leaders who have allowed secondments which allowed me to learn new skills. This gave me the energy I needed at the time. 🔋
If your leader is bringing you down and the relationship is not healthy, the aim should be to get back on track. Find someone in the business who can provide support.
After exhausting all options, I had no choice but to leave the company. In some instances of reflection I would say that I left too late. There can be an impression that you must persevere for a long time. However, my view on this is that a competent leader will understand the reason for a short duration in a role if it can be justified.
For me, it is credible that someone cares about their career so much that they want to drive it forward. 🚗
What is the worst thing you can do? ☣️
Well, if you do nothing and let your unhappy thoughts fester this will not only ruin your mental health, but it will also eat up your time. As we all know time flies, so if you are looking to drive your career, then now is the time.
My personal advice is that life is short and you will do your best work when surrounded by those who align to your values.
Having taken a leap into consulting I’m doing a role that has been blocked for years due to always being told you are ‘too young’ and ‘you’re a year away’. How have I found it so far? Well I do not feel I am out of my depth. Am I perfect and the finished article? No, I’m learning and that’s what life is about right?
My motto has always been that if you feel you are good enough, you most likely are. Even if you are not, what is the harm in trying. In my case I want to give it a go while my beard is still black! When it is white I will be busy playing Santa Claus. 🧑🎄
Dileep Marway check 🤖
With the emergence of ID checks I was asked by someone this week whether my blogs would now be dying and whether I would pack it in.
Luckily for my readers I will still be here. You will have figured out that I am not a robot and I hope there is enough personality here for you to continue sticking with me.
As per all of my blogs and posts all opinions are my own. I do aim to continue sharing my opinions and I would love to hear yours too!
I believe that AI tools are helpful for inspiration and will be of significant value in the future. However, personally I love to learn from others’ views. This is the key to a high-performing team. I have led awesome teams and no two people are the same!
The same applies to me at home. Me and Baljit are polar opposites and that is the reason why we compliment each others skills. Given she has now fallen asleep at all my sports events and is now banned, I can watch football without the snoring. 😂
* For the Atlantis resort in Dubai it would be helpful if you could add the ability to take a photo when you come down the slide. My wife fell asleep at the crucial moment. 📸
Lastly, I had a pleasant walk last week with my Dad and Nephew in the local countryside – oddly a sheep and horse were talking to us which I have not been able to recreate. I put this down to the sheep’s connecting with my Dad’s white beard. Maybe I will have this to look forward to in the future! Whatever the horse was saying, my Dad found it hilarious. 🐴
Bugs 🐛
Back to our Meerkat friends – I was amused to learn that they enjoy eating bugs. Now any of my testing friends will laugh as that is exactly what we do (or I did in the past). They love the physical form, and we love the software types.
Oh how we love you Meerkats!
Bye
That’s all for this week – leaving you with an image of how the weather has changed lately. Just like how the weather can change in a flash, so can your career. You just need to drive it! 🛣️
