I used to think longevity in a job was a good thing.
I liked what I did, I thought I was good at it, and the results achieved seemed to reinforce that belief. The days, weeks, and months slipped past almost without me noticing.
I thought that having a career with one organization was something remarkable, something to strive toward. I looked forward to working at least another ten years with the organization I had been with already for twenty-six years.
Then a funny thing happened.
The organization I had devoted the past twenty-something years to decided to go in a different direction and I was out. I had worked on average 50-65 hours a week, lived and breathed what I did and then suddenly I was “no longer part of the family.”
Now with the space and benefit of an intervening three years, I have a new perspective. I realize now I should have seen the signs, listened better to family, friends, and coworkers, and most importantly I should have sought out a change myself. More importantly, by staying with one job or career for too long, it was too easy to become isolated from other opportunities and I become virtually a prisoner of my comfort zone.
My experience is not an isolated one. In writing this post, I am using my story and the stories of similar people in hopes of helping other people to see and identify some of the signs to notice. How to adjust if possible, and how to develop an action plan that works for them.
I am always inspired by people who rise above adversity with resolve and resilience; changing a job or career after a significant number of years will require both.
Signs to notice
You don’t feel appreciated. I found myself working harder and harder, working extra overtime, and never remembering anyone in your organization saying “thank you.“ When any organization doesn’t appreciate or acknowledge your sacrifice or efforts you need to realize that “good” organizations do acknowledge and that it is likely time to start looking. Being told that you are at your maximum wage is another sign, particularly if there is no provision for “cost of living” increases.
Your health is suffering. A job is not a life sentence and if your stress level is causing high blood pressure or other ailments, you should consider making lifestyle and/or career changes. If you think you are indispensable to your workplace you are wrong, trust me, nobody is.
Your frustration grows every day. Mental health is just as important as physical health. When a job or career starts negatively affecting how you think of yourself or your life outside of work, this is a sign not to be ignored. Being frustrated affects everyone and ironically it can make a bad situation worse, only reinforcing management’s opinion of you.
When another organization approaches you about your availability. When this happens, take the opportunity to consider their offer. I always liked what I did and when opportunities were offered I did not pursue them because I was in a very comfortable “comfort zone,” this was a mistake.
When your suggestions are ignored. Something difficult for any person is to consider your concepts and ideas may not be where the organization wants to go. I understand that now, but at the time, I found that difficult to accept. I respect that entrepreneurs and senior leaders have every right to go in different directions, unfortunately, not all of them can communicate as well as they should. When someone is used to being part of the “decision-team,” and no longer consulted, invited to meetings, or no longer asked to contribute to solutions, not only is your pride affected but so is your self-image. If this happens, recognize the signs early, talk to your manager, and if you are not satisfied, start looking for something different.
Your family is encouraging you to try something new. I always have taken my role as the primary financial provider for my family very seriously, sometimes too seriously. Your family sees you on your good days and on your bad days, they care about you, and they see when you change or are under pressure. Listen when they comment that you should do something different, unfortunately, I did not listen.
When new management says they are not going to change anything. Existing staff can feel threatened when the ownership or management of their organization changes. Understandably new management will often want to change the direction and can mistakenly believe that older or more senior people will be reluctant to change. New management saying “We aren’t going to change a thing,” isn’t helpful because inevitably they start almost immediately dismantling the old systems and processes.
When your organization’s integrity or core values no longer match yours. If your organization’s philosophy or actions are not consistent with your beliefs that is a sign that you may want to be looking for a better match. This happens, people and organizations grow, evolve, and move in different directions.
When your contribution is minimized. If you have been a key person in the past or recent success of your organization and now you find consistently praise is being offered to other people instead of to you. Additionally, the lack of praise may be compounded by being blamed for any negative happening to the organization. Don’t take it personally, I know it’s hard; but, accept it as a sign of the gap growing between yourself and your organization, work to improve it if you can, accept it and move on if your can’t.
Your organization is in serious financial difficulty. Sometimes the signs to watch have nothing to do with you and your contributions. Many of the people I have met who have experienced what I have, were victims of overcapacity, changing market conditions, and organizations that failed to evolve. People who counted on pensions and ignored the signs of impending collapse were left without the security they were owed. Being aware of your broader organization’s performance and planning accordingly is very important.
Multiple consistent negative performance reviews. When your organization seems to be succeeding but anything negative seems to be your fault, this may be a sign that you are becoming a “scapegoat.” In addition, when the only way for you to have your ideas brought forward is to have someone else present them; you should be concerned. Multiple negative performance reviews are a common tool organizations use to move people out, do not discount these signs. So many people told me perhaps the most telling sign that you need to recognize and acknowledge happens when you are accused of negative things and given no chance to defend or explain your actions.
When you are pushed. Some organizations are not shy about the fact that you are no longer part of their plans. Few are that direct, but some are. When that happens do not think that you can change their minds, it is already too late. If you believe that in the face of multiple warnings and outright blatant conversations, know you are not wanted, there is no way to win.
When your job no longer challenges you. Not every sign is negative. While many people are lucky because their careers are very fulfilling and if not interesting every day, their days are interesting enough so they are not bored. Not everyone is that lucky. You may spend 30 or 40 years working, and if you are bored or not challenged, that is a sign you should not ignore.
What should you do?
Start with the facts.
Talk to your manager or supervisor, if you can. Talk about how you are feeling. I have seen examples of situations and feelings that have just been misinterpreted and afterward everything is much better. Sometimes it is not possible to have that conversation, in those circumstances start to prepare yourself for a change.
Discreetly make inquiries, develop your network, talk to people you trust, work on upgrading your skills and experiences, and take control of making the changes necessary.
What did I do?
Just the opposite.
I ignored the signs; I thought if I worked hard that would be enough.
It wasn’t, but I have learned. I wish things hadn’t gotten as far as they did, but that is the past. Albeit after the fact, I did network, I offered my skills for free and volunteered. I was fortunate and joined an organization dedicated to social innovation and I learned, helped, and worked collectively to make a difference in my community. I started to blog to share my knowledge, my experiences, and my stories.
After a while, that same organization offered me a job, I worked to build awareness of food insecurity and how it was a symptom of the larger problems of poverty and the lack of affordable and safe housing. I learned about addictions, human trafficking, home takeovers, and about the people in our society who have fallen through the cracks. I went back to school, taking courses online.
Now I work for an organization dedicated to helping with issues that affect one in four Canadians, mental health, and addiction. I am still using all my business skills, plus a recently acquired certificate in Project Management. I am making a difference for people and none of this would have happened, had I not changed careers. My only regret is not doing this sooner, I would have been happier, my family would have been happier, and even my former employer would have been happier. The time had come for me to leave, everyone saw it but me. I am still making mistakes and learning, but I made it through.
You or someone you know can as well. Learn to watch for the signs. Ask questions and appreciate how you feel about your situation is a legitimate question to ask your employer. Understand that some organizations will answer your questions well and some will not. Try to minimize your blind spots, appreciate situations from more than just your perspective, and if you cannot correct a deteriorating position, then make a plan and then make some changes.
It might just be the best thing you have ever done.
Good luck on your journey,
Paul