The Cost of Over Staying YOUR Welcome

The unimaginable is happening.

YOU have been with the same company for many years...in some cases 20+ years. The company...the people...the work...it's been like family to you. Sure... others have "come and gone" over the years...but YOU....not YOU?! The OTHERS didn't understand the people...the culture...the work like YOU do...so...

How can it POSSIBLY be that you are about to turn in your badge and walk away for the last time?

Community NOT Family

I have seen it happen time and time again over the years where friends...colleagues...and acquaintances have procrastinated or ignored that they would one day be "invited to leave" their organization before THEY made the decision to leave. FAMILY doesn't turn their back on each other...they support each other through good times and bad....Right?!

I saw a post recently by Adam Grant that presented another way of looking at it:

Being part of a community means YOU can care and contribute but it doesn't mean it is forever.

The Cost of Over Staying YOUR Welcome

Let's face it...we are ALL guilty of this at some point...of ignoring the signs or leaving it too late to scan the environment for what might be next. For me...it was at the 7+ year mark at my last organization when I thought I would be there a lot longer. For anyone who has been through this experience...I think a common theme is how surprising it is how quickly you go from FAMILY to "Who Dis?". Anyone else or just me?

The cost of not getting a head start or not being more prepared for it is that YOU are now on your heels and having to catch up to where others are who have been "putting themselves OUT THERE"

Things like:

having an up to date resume
a robust LinkedIn profile
a strong network outside of your current company
experience in external interviewing
understanding of the recruiting applications and how they work
having a good idea of what you are looking for next other than "working for a great company where I can make a difference"

Maintain YOUR Career Like a House

I get it...

YOU are happy where YOU are
YOU don't have the time or the energy to update your resume or your LinkedIn profile
YOU don't need to network...EVRYONE knows YOU

Think of maintaining YOUR career like you would your home. Hopefully YOU proactively replace...update...keep things up around your home before it enters into total collapse.

Some Tips

Make Time to Scan the Environment. At least every 6 months practice looking for a job. YOU don't have to apply but poke around so YOU know the types of roles that are out there and that interest YOU. It can also identify growth opportunities so YOU can have the skills/experience for next time.

Update YOUR Resume Regularly. As YOU poke around at what's out there....look at YOUR resume and update it as if YOU were applying to keep it fresh. Revisiting it every 6 months or so refines it so YOU never have to start from scratch.

Keep Improving YOUR LinkedIn Profile. I recommend YOU update...add to...modify....post...at least monthly on LinkedIn. It keeps things up to date and keeps your network engaged and up to date with YOU.

Network...Network...Network. It can be as simple as having a cadence or trigger to connect with someone YOU haven't in a long time to simply check-in. It is CRITICALLY important to reach out to others and stay in contact when you DON'T need anything. Others are more likely to help YOU when they know you have a genuine interest in them...not just when YOU need something.

Stretch Goal... Actually apply for new roles and put yourself through the process. YOU will have a much better idea if your resume is hitting the mark (if you do or do not get an interview) or how rusty or fresh your interview skills are. I will warn you...from everyone I have spoken to about this...it is a humbling and eye opening experience.

In Closing...

There is saying that I see from time to time on social media...

“If you don't make time for your wellness, you'll be forced to make time for your illness.”

I would argue that the same is true for your career path and ability to be in control of YOUR destiny. I would also say that this can ALSO benefit your ability to thrive in YOUR current company as follows:

It creates a growth mindset
Makes time for self reflection and career aspirations
It furthers YOUR reputation as a life long learner
It is a best practice for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone
It enhances YOUR personal brand both externally AND internally

Leadership Questions of the Week for YOU:

Are YOU really comfortable where YOU are and ignoring...procrastinating or just don't see the need to keep your resume etc. up to date?
What do you think of the Adam Grant clarification of Community NOT Family? Does this prompt YOU to look at your current situation differently?
What do YOU think the cost of overstaying your welcome is? DO you think that by focusing and keeping your career tools fresh that you are in some way betraying your current company or distracting you?
Do YOU see benefits of keeping your career tools fresh to YOUR current company and career growth?
What advice would YOU give?