Should you Stay or Go?
😩 "After 20 years, I don't know how much longer I can stand the stress of this job." - How do you advise someone who makes this intense statement?
Evidence suggests they could stand the stress longer - since they’ve been grinding it out for 20 years - but why would they? Is a change of role the best solution?
The stay-or-go dilemma obscures an important, deeper inquiry into what we need - in the current role or in any future scenario. A change of scenery might bring temporary relief, but you’ll probably find the old ghosts haunting the new house.
Start by asking, "What needs to be different now?" Begin with a clear-eyed assessment of what's causing your stress and diminishing your fulfillment. Is it the workload, the team dynamics, the lack of creative freedom, or perhaps the alignment (or misalignment) with your values? Then:
- Check Yourself: Could you be managing your time more effectively, setting healthier boundaries, or developing resilience? How might you evolve to meet the challenges of your role differently?
- Make Adjustments: Can you modify your current role to better suit your needs and strengths? Delegate certain tasks, focus more on projects that light you up, or even explore a new position that better utilizes your talents?
- Communicate: Talk to your manager and team. Discuss your needs, your vision for a more balanced work life, and how these changes could benefit everyone. Chances are good that they will all feel similarly.
- Be Open to All Outcomes: Your journey may lead to the realization that a new environment is necessary for growth. If so, the work you've done will help align your next role more closely with your needs for fulfillment and balance.
The goal is to craft the conditions for your choice to thrive, whether that's in your current role or elsewhere. It's a powerful declaration (to yourself and others) that you expect—and deserve—more from your work: more fulfillment, less stress, and a life that feels balanced and meaningful. ⚖
(Originally published on LinkedIn)
