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Guest Editorial
The Right Time to Switch
Jobs
Preparation and understanding can make this transition easier
by Janie Cox
A lot
of us had the good fortune of making the right career choice from
the very beginning. But some of us find ourselves led into one career
path and somewhere down the road discover that we would like to
switch to another. The challenge becomes how and when to affect
this transition smoothly.
Making this change is especially daunting when we have the confidence
of what we have already achieved, but also the anxieties resulting
from the uncertainties of a new venture. It is further complicated
if we are switching from a logic-based corporate job to a creativity-based
entrepreneurial venture. Our logical approach would be to test the
waters. So we start off by gaining the relevant education and skills
that will empower us to make the change.
As we continue to empower ourselves and nurture the creativity
that we always knew we possessed, we become increasingly excited.
We take a leap forward by engaging in part-time business activities.
Self-actualization for the first time seems a future reality. But
the stakes are high. Our energies are being divided between a job
that pays the bills and puts food on the table and the business
that is fast outgrowing its part-time beginnings.
The demands on our psychological well-being is becoming apparent
as apart from involvement in these equally demanding disciplines
there is only time left for much-needed sleep. We push our bodies
to the limit as we try to create that right moment when we can consolidate
our energies and somehow harness the years we now consider as potentially
wasted to embrace the hope of future gains.
But for now we have to cope with two jobs—one that provides us
with paychecks for tasks performed and the other in which we have
to find the tasks to create the paychecks. Overwhelming as it may
seem, we launch forward fueled by any positive growth that we dare
not allow to escape unannounced to friends and family members—sometimes
to our temporary recoil, as they inform us of pending dangers.
Because energy is neither created nor destroyed but converted
from one form to another, we recognize that one opportunity has
to grow at the expense of the other. We are drawn into a cycle of
looking ahead and then looking back. But our compassion for what
is ahead causes us to press forward as we anticipate the moment
of truth.
These emotions are normal, and there will never be the perfect
moment. Maturity has now afforded us the opportunity to systematically
and scientifically plot our path to progress. We need to soberly
consider the following factors:
• The Age Factor: Does our
age permit us to bring this new career to maturity, or is it more
feasible to set aside our ambitions and focus on what we have spent
most of our years building?
• The Health Factor:
Are we psychologically and physically capable of managing
these parallel disciplines until we change lanes and thereafter
mobilize these facets to financial reward?
• The Social Factor: Can our
family relations survive the additional stress and ultimately lend
support to the new vision? Are they committed to accepting increased
responsibilities before they can share in the future rewards?
• The Money Factor: Can we sacrifice
new and, at times, higher standards of living for increased gratification
that comes from doing what we so passionately love? Have we factored
in the benefits we now receive from our present employer, e.g. paid
sick days, casual and vacation leave, partial or non-contributory
pensions, health insurance, access to credit and other lending institutions
and any other benefits that might be available to us at present?
What about compensation for years of service given to your employer?
Is our new venture capable of sustained growth?
• The Competence Factor:
When we take off our emotional hats can we truly be critical
of our ability to handle the task at hand? Are we leaders or followers?
Are our spirits willing but our flesh weak?
• The Timing Factor: A double-minded
man is unstable in all his ways. This instability has led to lost
opportunities. After all, there will always be an element of risk
associated with making this ultimate decision. The “right” time
might be at the next downsizing at our present organization, it
might be at the next economic flourish, or it might be when nothing
significant seems to be happening. But once we have done our homework,
depend on the divine guiding voice inside and be confident when
the time comes. In summary, prepare your business plan taking into
account all the economic, political, religious and social contributors
to financial success and ultimately self-actualization. Recognize
that this decision is personal and that you alone can decide what
success means. Be practical in your evaluation and seek professional
and spiritual advice.
Janie Cox is the owner and manager of A-Class Draperies and
Interiors, a custom workroom and school located in Trincity, Trinidad,
West Indies. She has been in the window coverings industry since
1997 and has attained the level of WCAA’s Certified Window Treatment
Consultant and Certified Workroom Professional. She also is the
founder of First Association for Bright Interior Coverings (FABrIC),
the first workroom forum in Trinidad.
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