I remember when I first left my job and the rollercoaster of
emotions I felt before making that decision. On the one hand, I was pumped with
the belief that I was doing the right thing and finally heading in the right
direction in my life. On the other hand, there was this lingering element of
self-doubt that taunted me as I broke the news to my partner, family, friends
and colleagues. As a person who always attacks the day with positivity, I
seemed happy – I was. So why was I leaving? Why was I making this big career
change?
Millions of thoughts ran through my mind. More money? Better
role? Career progression? But I am happy, right? One thing I’ve learned since
then is that change, no matter how big or small, will always be surrounded by
some form of doubt. Warning – do not listen to them.
Jump!
The day I left the comfort of my old job is that day I
decided to jump. I realised that I had lost that feeling you get when you walk
through the glass doors of your building, not knowing how the day will unfold –
the excitement and passion that I had when I first started. And I missed it.
Dearly. While it’s now hard to articulate that feeling, I knew that I needed
that sense of excitement in my life again.
Have you ever asked yourself the question “what is your dream
job?”
For that reason, I would never ask that question to someone
looking for their next career opportunity. Instead, I would ask “what do you
look for in a company?” Personally, I have never been one to take orders well.
Rather, I like to be at the forefront of everything. I believe the most
important factor for an employee to truly love their job is for them to value
their company, to feel a sense of pride representing their company outside of
the office. To value the ethos and brand that their company projects. Working every day and not necessarily loving
every minute of the work is fine, so long as you believe in the company you
work for and the people you work with.
As Steve Jobs once cleverly advised, "Don't let the
noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice….have the courage to
follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want
to become.”
Follow your instinct! I can't tell you the amount of times
people have asked me for advice when deep down they already know the answer.
Essentially, all they are looking for is reassurance. Be brave, and follow your
instinct - it’s yours for a reason and
everyone's journey is different.
Stand up and be the catalyst for your change because
although you may have people who will push you along the way, only YOU can take
the first step. Too many people in this world are comfortable.
Don’t be one of
them. Take the first step - write it
down on a piece of paper or speak it out loud. When said or done things
incredibly find a way into existence. Crazy but true!
If you keep on doing the same thing time and time again, you
will keep on achieving the same results.
So, instead of complaining about how
long and boring this day is going to be, surround yourself with positive
thoughts and positive actions. Take that first step…
Jump!!
