The end of the year brings with it a sense of closure . . . but it also brings with it a sense of excitement, since a New Year filled with new possibilities is just around the corner.
Some of those possibilities (especially the ones tied to your career) involve the opportunity of change, specifically the opportunity to change jobs in the hopes of greater career advancement and satisfaction.
Unfortunately, people often overlook the opportunity of change because they fear the uncertainty of change. There is a perceived comfort level involved in maintaining the status quo and not taking risks.
However, there are two problems inherent in clinging to this “illusion of security”:
1.Nobody ever knows exactly how everything is going to turn out. It’s just not possible, especially not in the ever-changing world in which we live.
2.By being resistant to change, striving to maintain the status quo, and not taking risks, you’re actually choosing not to grow. In today’s job market, growth is not an option. Growth is mandatory for anybody looking to remain valuable to an employer (and that includes your current employer).
In 1986, there was a movie released starring Robin Williams titled The Dead Poets Society. If you’ve ever seen the film, you might remember that its catch phrase was “carpe diem,” or “seize the day.” That phrase, of course, was meant to invoke the characters in the film to live life to the fullest and “seize” the opportunity of change instead of fearing it.
Below are three things to keep in mind about change and how it can affect your job, your career, and your life:
1.Change does not automatically lead to negative occurrences. Instead, how you react to change largely determines if it will be positive or negative in nature.
2.Change is inevitable. You’ve probably heard the saying, “The only constant is change.” That’s because it’s true. It’s those who take advantage of the opportunities presented by change who are ultimately more successful.
3.Before you can seize the opportunity of change, you must be able to recognize the opportunity of change.
What is your outlook for your job and career in 2013? Are you looking for opportunities—or are you tied to the status quo? Are you seeking to grow—or are you clinging to “the illusion of security”?
Don’t fear the uncertainty of change. Instead, recognize the opportunities it presents and take advantage of them. “Seize the day” . . . and don’t forget to seize the New Year, while you’re at it.
If you have any questions about this article or about how we can help in your job search, contact Stacy at stacy@thevetrecruiter.com. You can also see more about our recruiting services at www.thevetrecruiter.com.