The best career advice you never got (your boss won't tell you)

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to deciding whether it's time to leave your job. It presents a decision-making framework based on both professional and personal considerations, such as skill development, career progression, network building, and personal fulfillment. The speaker stresses the importance of aligning career choices with long-term goals, considering alternative options, and seeking third-party perspectives. Ultimately, the key takeaway is to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that reflect your values and aspirations, while avoiding regret by taking ownership of your choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's crucial to evaluate career decisions based on both professional and personal considerations, as your work impacts your life as a whole.
• 😀 A key factor in career decisions is the learning and skills you gain at your current job, including both hard and soft skills.
• 😀 Your professional network plays a significant role in long-term success; the quality of connections often matters more than the quantity.
• 😀 Long-term career progression should guide decisions. Sometimes, this means making tough choices that might seem difficult in the short term.
• 😀 Always prioritize your personal values and goals over external pressures like prestige or what others expect from you.
• 😀 Fulfillment and satisfaction from work are unique to each individual and should be a key consideration when thinking about career moves.
• 😀 Relationships with co-workers can significantly impact job satisfaction. Strong team dynamics often make up for less glamorous tasks or projects.
• 😀 Passion should not be a vague notion of success, but something that genuinely excites you and motivates you, even if money isn't a factor.
• 😀 Money and lifestyle factors matter, but they are personal. If you have a specific financial or lifestyle goal, your career choices should align with that.
• 😀 When making a career decision, do thorough research on alternative opportunities and evaluate them based on how they move you closer to your long-term goals.
• 😀 Getting third-party perspectives is vital. Consult trusted people from different areas of your life to help you make an informed, unbiased decision.

Q & A

Why is it important to consider both professional and personal aspects when making career decisions?

Considering both professional and personal aspects ensures a more holistic approach to career decisions. Work impacts personal life because of the time commitment, so it's crucial to evaluate how career choices align with personal values, relationships, and long-term goals, not just professional growth.

What are the main factors to evaluate when considering whether to stay in your current job or leave?

The main factors to evaluate include professional considerations like learning and skill development, network quality, and long-term career progression. On the personal side, consider fulfillment, relationships with co-workers, passion, and the impact on your lifestyle and finances.

How can learning and skill development at a job affect career decisions?

Learning and skill development are key to career progression. If a job does not offer sufficient opportunities for growth, individuals may feel stagnant, leading them to explore new roles or industries where they can expand their skills and knowledge.

What is the difference between 'breadth' and 'depth' when evaluating your professional network?

Breadth refers to the size and range of your network, such as the number of people in a large company. Depth refers to the strength of relationships within a smaller network, where the bonds are often more personal and supportive.

Why should long-term career progression be prioritized over short-term outcomes?

Prioritizing long-term career progression helps individuals make decisions that will benefit them in the future, even if those decisions are harder in the short term. Short-term thinking may lead to regrets if it sacrifices long-term goals.

What should you do if you’re uncertain about whether to stay in your current job or move to a new role?

You should reflect on your priorities, evaluate your current job based on these priorities, and consider your long-term career goals. Additionally, research alternative options and seek third-party perspectives from trusted people to inform your decision.

What role do relationships with co-workers play in career decisions?

Strong relationships with co-workers can significantly affect job satisfaction. If you have a supportive, collaborative team, it may enhance your overall work experience. On the other hand, toxic relationships can make even exciting roles unenjoyable.

How does fulfillment and passion influence career decisions?

Fulfillment and passion are important because they drive motivation and happiness in your career. If your work excites you and aligns with your personal interests, it can make your job feel less like a chore, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and career success.

How should money and lifestyle considerations be factored into career decisions?

Money and lifestyle are personal factors that can’t be ignored. If financial goals, such as supporting family or achieving a certain lifestyle, are important, they should weigh heavily in your decision. However, balancing financial gains with personal satisfaction is key.

What is the five-step process for making career decisions outlined in the video?

The five-step process includes: 1) Stack-ranking your personal and professional priorities, 2) Evaluating your current job against those priorities, 3) Assessing whether staying at your job aligns with your long-term goals, 4) Researching alternative options, and 5) Seeking third-party perspectives to make an informed decision.