By Thomas Davis, CRNA, MAE, DNAP candidate
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The end of the year is a time to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly. For some, reflection on recent work experience produces the conclusion; “I gotta get a better job.” They may be people who struggle in toxic environments in which the work they do is valued but, despite their contribution, they are not appreciated, recognized or rewarded for their efforts. Those stranded in an onerous workplace may benefit from a new job and can truly justify leaving. More frequently, however, people are motivated to seek a new position because they’re in a professional rut and no longer feel challenged or empowered by their ho-hum job. In a nutshell, they are bored.
According to Alison Doyle, author for The Balance Careers, studies indicate that 51% of workers in America are planning to leave their current job and 47% of American workers who feel that they are in a good job would leave if an ideal job were available. Millennials tend to not see themselves working at one job for the duration of their careers with 44% expecting to change jobs in the next 2 years.
Why People Leave
Business journalist, author, and CNBC business consultant, Suzie Welch, affirms the current unrest in the workforce and offers three reasons to explain why people seek new jobs.
- They are no longer fully engaged in their work. People spend the early days of a job mastering the skills needed to be successful. Over time, work becomes routine leaving the person feeling like a spoke on the wheel.
- They have been at the same company too long. As years turn to decades, people settle into niches and robotically do their assigned task. Not only is their spot on the pecking order assured, they are may have become embedded into the position with little opportunity to move either up or down the chain of command.
- They are no longer challenged in their role. “You get good at what you do” remains true today and the risk of having acquired competent comfort is the onset of boredom. When a job no longer offers the stimulation of professional development, it loses importance beyond money earned, money paid.
Why People Stay
Are you ready to throw in the towel? Not so fast! Before you start a job search, consider some factors that make the current job a little more attractive.
- Geographic ties The longer a person is in a community, the more engrained the person and their family become. Friendships have been formed, and trusted resources have been located. Leaving a community may require selling a home, packing and moving with the blind faith that the new community will be as good as the new job.
- Interests of partner/spouse/family Those in a two-income family must consider both incomes before pulling up stakes and moving. Children have friends and school activities that would be disrupted by relocating. If your partner own/runs a business, moving may not be an option at all.
- Current pay/benefits are good Among the many reasons a person works, paying the bills is always on the list. If the pay/benefits of the current job are good, it may be unwise at this point in your affairs to trade security for the stimulation of a new workplace.
- Fear of the job hunt process Searching for a job, interviewing, credentialing and onboarding are stressful and time-consuming. In addition, applying for a position opens you to unwanted scrutiny or potential rejection.
- Prospect of changing the current workplace culture A great reason to stay in the existing job is the realization that your dissatisfaction with the present position can be alleviated by taking the lead in shaking things up and infusing energy into the present job.
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence so before you sell the farm, step back and look at your job objectively. If the status quo is truly toxic or oppressive, and you’re able to move on, move on. However, if the root cause of your unrest is plain old stuck-in-the-rut, you’re almost always better served by running toward the problem rather than running away from it.
When You Stay
For those who are committed to staying in the current job and want to feel fulfilled with a sense of purpose and enjoyment, try these ideas.
- Develop a friendship. A friend at work gives you a trusted ear for sharing personal thoughts and someone whose company you enjoy. Having someone in the workplace who you look forward to seeing each day increases loyalty to the organization and increases the likelihood that you will remain in the same job.
- Just say no to negative talk. Negative talk and gossip are draining. Refuse to say anything unfavorable about your job, a colleague or the organization. When lounge talk deteriorates, change the subject or simply leave.
- Leave it at work. Taking disagreeable thoughts home to share with a partner continues your discontent into your personal time. Going home and assuming the role of a victim garners sympathy and reinforces your dissatisfaction with the job. The emotions tied to victimhood will diminish your ability to make an intelligent decision about the potential benefits tied to the current job.
- Take a break. Some people seek to make a job better by working longer and harder. Doing too much for too long puts you at risk for burnout and even minor irritants at work become major issues. Take a break, relax and return refreshed.
- Acknowledge your own value. The importance that is tied to your good work may not get the recognition that it deserves. End each day by reflecting on your positive contributions and your importance to the team.
- Be proactive. Don’t expect the world to be placed at your feet; go after it. When you have ideas for improving workflow or making the workplace a better place, take the initiative to make it happen. Even little things can make you feel empowered and create a big difference for you and your colleagues.
In just a few days the new year will arrive, and you can quit the old job. Start the new year with a new job by re-defining your position at your current workplace. All that is required is renewed self-confidence and a shift in focus from, “I gotta get a better job,” to, “I can and will make this a better job.” Don’t allow yourself to become a victim who enjoys wallowing in the mud of negative thought. Instead, accept responsibility for making your job more satisfying by approaching the challenge with proactive, optimistic enthusiasm. Expand your friendships, leverage group dynamics and consistently reflect on the positive. When you think it’s time to go, reconsider and make it a no-go.
“Grass is greener at other people’s feet because they watered it. You need not to let your environment control you; you have what it takes to make it look beautiful!”
~Israelmore Ayivor,
Tom is a respected anesthesia clinician, author, speaker and leadership coach. Forward this article to friends and help expand the network of healthcare leaders.