Navigating Career Challenges in a Stormy Environment

After nearly 27 years in Search (I started with I was 13, haha) and thousands of conversations, I believe I have a bit of perspective on careers and career challenges.

Over a beverage the other day with a friend, we caught up on life and family, but transitioned to careers and we talked through an idea which I thought I would share as it may provide some counsel to others.

I believe we focus too little on what we can control and too much on what we can’t.

Organizations make business decisions and people find themselves in positions with their current employers which may be less than ideal.

You Always Have a Choice

You may be in a position you didn’t choose, but you do have a choice…your attitude.

If you find yourself in such a position, there are three ways to approach it:

The Survivor

Survivors keep their head down, avoid the fire, and constantly find ways to remain employed with their current employer.

This is not ideal as most survivors are often worse for the experience of just holding on. “Hanging in there” is soul crushing.

Jobs are not meant to be survived. They’re meant to help you thrive…

The Chameleon

These amazing creatures perfectly adapt to their surroundings. They blend in, often unnoticed. They are constantly evaluating threats and have an insignificant impact on their surroundings.

This may be a great way to stay in the shadows and avoid being seen, but I believe we’re called for more than hiding.

The Harbor

When companies decide for you and put you in a less-than-ideal role, how can you make the most of the opportunity?

Some positions utilize less than your full capacity. The company has decided (probably) that you are valuable to the organization, but they need some time to find the right opportunity for you.

So, what can you do in these situations? Consider yourself as a ship in harbor.
Ships in harbor will take on provisions and make repairs while the crew takes rest.

Ships also seek out harbors to weather storms.

However, ships are designed for the seas, not the harbor. They are meant for the journey, not the shelter.

I think you can do the same for your career.

Take Stock of Where You Are

What inspires you? Exhausts you? What do you want to do more of? Less of?

The harbor will give you the space to consider these questions amid career challenges…

Do you still align with the culture of the company? Believe in the mission and vision? Has the company changed? Have you changed?

The harbor offers space and time for this reflection. Make the most of the moment, then get on with the journey.

Be great…

Need a little help along the way? Give us a shout today, and let’s get to work…

About the Author: Brady Teague – Co-Founder & Charlotte Market Leader

As a co-founder of TalentBridge, Brady Teague has spent the last 20+ years in Executive Recruiting specializing in Accounting and Finance. He currently leads our Branch Operations in Charlotte of 60+ recruiting professionals.

Brady’s passion for people, customer service commitment, and professional network make him uniquely suited to leading our growth in the Southeast.