When Is It The Time To Move On?

A group in Linkedin by the name of Connect: Professional Women’s Network,Powered by Citi recently has a discussion on the subject above and managed to garner a number of great responses. 

I think it’s a valid question because we do ask ourselves sometimes. Probably the fact you are reading this, this question is at the top of your mind now. I think it’s great to know the signs or indicators because moving on is a huge decision when the answer might just be a short vacation.

So, what's the best gauge? 

Perhaps the following responses might give us some clues:-

• In general- a good indicator is- "Am I getting energy from this job or losing it?"
• When you are bored more often than not....when you are not using the creativity of which you are capable....when you can afford it. It's always good to blend practical decision making with job satisfaction percentage.
• Prior to setting up my own business, for me it was when I no longer felt challenged in what I was doing and found that I was getting bored and restless.
• Realizing I am losing more than I am getting from work. This happens over a course of years. When I feel like work is draining me in a negative way, it's time to assess the situation.
• When you show up for work, and have no more ideas for the company or the office itself. If everything has truly dried up, and you risk becoming a robot at work, time to move on.
• I believe when you feel you can no longer do what you do best the majority of the time and you don't feel as though you are learning and growing in that role, or in that organization, it may be time to move on. Also pay attention to your internal clues will tell you. If you feel drained and the thought of going to work really weighs on you, it may be time.
• I always encourage people to look for signs that they are valued more outside their company than inside. When your company takes your skills or contributions for granted or doesn't seem to value what you bring to the table as much as people you collaborate with externally, it may be time to start conversations with those who value you more.
• The proportion of time spent using strengths is a good indicator of whether or not one is personally fulfilled in work. When the majority of the time--not just a day or week, but the overall pattern of work hours--is spent on areas other than strengths, it's time to find a different role, different company or different career. There needs to be an alignment of head, heart and gut for a position to work well. If one is out of line, it's time to make a change.
• I have 2 triggers both learned over a long life of mostly great jobs.
  1. When it is clear that your skills aren't appreciated at the level you need personally.
  2. When your skills and compensation level don't match. The appreciation sometimes has more value than the money. Maybe the best indicator is when all you get from an annual review is another job title. If you are getting more responsibility and no compensation then something is wrong.
• When you realize your values and those of your employer have diverged so wildly, there is no possible way to continue on the same path. When you are getting the accolades, but not the promotion. When you are offered no opportunity to grow into the role you know you can excel at, because your supervisor won't recognize your potential in anything but the niche you've already been assigned in his/her mind.
• When the job is no longer fun. When getting up and going into work gets harder and less enjoyable and becomes more like a task and just walking through the door makes you unhappy, then it is time for a change.
• You move on when you get up in the morning and think Oh S---! I have to do this again!
• Satisfaction comes in many forms. I realize that financial security is not my big motivator, and perhaps that is because I've not had the experience of living on the edge financially. I am very conscious of the limitations of time, and I consider the use of my time as an important measure. If this is my last day, how do I want to live it?
• I like the "Grow and Go" technique. Whenever I feel that I have gained sufficient knowledge to do all that my position requires and it no longer presents a challenge to me, then it's time to move on to the next level. If that's not possible where I am, then it means looking outside of the firm. I don't think a person should stay in a position until they are bored, depleted, or doing just enough to get by.
• For me, it starts with prayer and the direction God is taking me. If I'm working for someone else it's when I know that I've given everything I have into it and am still hitting a wall. I've honored my leaders... I've given the best of myself into a role and in the job... I've done all I know to do to stand strong. I haven't quit or given up just because it was hard. I went beyond my emotions and kept trying to "make it work". --Years ago someone told me if you don't have peace don't "do this or that". In a "role" or "job" when I no longer have peace that I'm in the right place for my life, and I can sincerely say I've given it everything, it's time to go. All of that is wrapped up in what God is speaking to me at the time.
• Life is not about being stagnant, we have so much to live for and strive for and all we have to do is keep trying new things, venture out, find your spot in the glory of the sun as it shines on your lovely being!

From the comments above, there seems to be a consensus on the point when you feel bored, undervalued and not challenged, then it’s time to pack your bag and go.

Don't underestimate ourselves - we can out-grow our jobs!

But that’s the “push’ factors, those that affect your current position. On the other hand, we can have “pull” factors, say in the form of an amazing opportunity that is too good to be missed out. That is definitely a sign we should deeply consider. 

Is Marisa Mayer Going Backwards With Her Telecommuting Policy?

All Yahoo employees must work in the office by June this year, so said the new CEO of Yahoo, Marisa Mayer. In the past decade with the advancement of technology, telecommuting has been applauded as breaking the traditional 9-5 clock system.

I remember when I first started working the first thing I was introduced in my orientation was the punch card system. Every morning, this little event of making sure my punch card produces black print sweat me out quite a bit especially if my bus was running late. I would be rushing like a mad lady if I discovered that I might get a red print. Needless to say, it’s stressful. I’m so glad those days were over.

With the advancement of technology, telecommuting was introduced. It was good news to many especially for jobs that do not require physical presence in the office all the time. To me, this idea is progressive and liberating. We are after all adults that know our job and what it takes to do a good job. If we do not meet the standards or targets set, the consequences are clear. We don’t need a “referee” to look over our shoulders all the time and certainly the reason of not performing if ever is not due to not enough time spent in the office!

One of the best benefits of telecommuting is that it saved a lot of time – it makes so much sense especially when work can be done in the comfort of a home or anywhere else besides the office – not to mention the stress from beating the traffic and as a result, more time can be spent with family and etc. If a worker can generate same results, i.e., no effect on the job performance, why telecommuting is a bad idea now?

I’m not sure whether Yahoo has done a feasibility study before they came out with this policy or not. If they have hard evidence that concluded telecommuting was bad for business, I would like to hear it.

So far the only rationale of why the shift is that they believe by having everyone in the office, they will have many "fun" new initiatives, people feel "energy and buzz" when they work in the office, and some of the "best" work is done when you run into someone in the hallway. This sounds more like “we wish this will happen if everyone is around.”

I don’t deny physical meetings are powerful and the connection generated from such can rarely be replaced by a virtual set-up. It’s like the Recruiters conducting a face-to-face interview – it certainly gives us more information as compared to a tele-interview or via a google hangout.

However, in our context of work, there are some work like programming and writing that are best done in a place that the individual feels most comfortable – more likely achieved in the comfort of his home. Why restrict that? Of course, there is some type of work in which regular communication with colleagues help, say marketing. And therefore, meet up in the office and brainstorm! Why can’t there be options and flexibility? It’s an irony to see a technology company taking this step.

From the hiring strategy perspective, it might not augur well when companies like Virgin encourages people to work wherever they work best, whether that be from home or from the office.

So, if you are a talent, which company will you choose to work - Yahoo or Virgin?

Running, Migraine and Mental Strength

Most people get into exercise because they wanted to lose some kilos. Not me. I’m blessed with a slim figure, a tad below weight in fact, so I get into exercise purely because I wanted to sweat. But I’ve also been fairly lazy in the past two to three years. I used to golf every week but somehow other priorities took over and my golf club had been sitting pretty in the store room ever since. And that was when my bouts of migraine started. I knew one of the answers to fight the migraine is to be fit physically. But my legs and hands refused to budge.

I equate that with weak will. And I don’t feel good.

I was inspired by my friends and hubby who did 10km run a few months ago but it was short-lived as I realized the amount of hard work one needs to put in. So I let it go. Besides, I simply don’t have time. Of course, that’s an excuse. We simply make time for things we care about and I blame it on photography as that was what I really cared about in the past one year :p Anyhow, deep down I know I need to do something, else how do I get rid of my monthly migraine love affair? Cafergot should not be my long term rescue remedy, right?

The turning point.

I was holidaying at Pangkor Island Beach Resort. They have this beautiful 1.2km stretch of white sandy beach. It’s supposed to be a relaxing holiday so the whole afternoon I was doing nothing except immersing myself with Kafka On The Shore. I needed to get up and do something. It’s almost evening and before the sun set, I decided to run along the beach - bare-footed. And lo and behold, I managed to run the stretch of 1.2km back and fro without stopping. Perhaps it’s the beautiful beach or the lovely breeze or maybe the build-up energy but whatever, the feeling was incredible! I wanted to do it again. So the next morning when most holiday makers were still in bed, I woke up early and repeated the run - back and fro and I tell myself, hey, I can do this!

Need to get the momentum going.

When I came home, I told myself to get serious with my new found delight. So, one fine morning before I went to office, I did seven rounds at the park next to my house. One round is approximately 450m. Yes, I surprise myself for managing 3km. But how can I motivate myself further? I mean I can always maintain a 3km run as long as I do it regularly. That's some form of exercise, isn't it? But that would not do for me. Okay, this seems silly but I thought tweeting about it might inspire me to set higher goals. And believe me, it did.

Two days later, I aimed for 5km. When I was on my eight round, my mind was telling me to stop because my legs were crying to stop. They were truly exhausted. I told myself, I don’t have to hit 13 laps to get that 5km. It’s okay I don't achieve it this time…there is always next time. But another part of me said, I can do it! Girl, don’t allow your mind to hold you back. It’s achievable. Be focused!

Finally, my better self conquered!  I did it!

Basically our bodies are much stronger than we think. So the challenge is really not our legs but above the shoulders, our MIND. Mental strength is so crucial at those critical points and I believe that’s what it meant by Mind Gym – we got to work our mental strength first and if that is conquered, almost anything is achievable. Ah…now I earn a bit of bragging right but the story is not finished yet… my next target, 10km!

Workaholism – The Socially Acceptable Addiction

When talk about addiction, what generally came to mind would be drugs, coffee and alcohol. It is an addiction when you have difficulty saying no to it. Instead, your mind is preoccupied with the thing or activity all the time. For a short time, I was addicted to golfing – for instance, I can play 36 hole of golf a day and can go on for another 9-hole of night golfing if I can have my way. So, I know exactly what I’m talking about.

But seriously, can anyone be addicted to work? Of course, it is absolutely possible.

However, a work addict seldom gets condemned. In a way, it’s one addiction that is socially acceptable. For instance, you would be excused when you missed a family function because you need to work late…again. Tell them any other reason, you’ll get a lecture for sure.

Bryan Robinson, PhD, one of the US’s leading researchers on the disorder and author of Chained to the Desk and other books on workaholism has this to say, “Yes, workaholism is an addiction, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it's not the same as working hard or putting in long hours."

The problem is since it’s socially acceptable, no one really cares about the danger of workaholism.

It was said in Japan, “death by overwork” caused 1000 deaths per year, nearly 5% of that country’s stroke and heart attack deaths in employees under age 60.

So, if work consumes you and destroys your personal life and death in the instance of Japan, is it worth being an addict?

I don’t think anyone wants to die prematurely due to work. But majority of us do not even know we are already an addict.

In Working Ourselves to Death, Diane Fassel describes several dozen characteristics of workaholics. Generally, the most common ones include:

• Denial – the common excuse: “I need to provide for my family.”

• Multiple addictions: if you study most workaholics, they have other addictions too such as food, cigarette, alcohol and etc.

• Restlessness: some people simply can’t relax. They think about their work all the time even when they are with the family.

• Obsessiveness: Some people tend to be obsessed with perfection. Everything must be done according to their expectations and consequently, no work is ever finished. And they also have problem with delegation. Think Steve Jobs.

• Self-centeredness: Work addicts think too much about themselves and possess a sense of their own importance, sometimes in exaggeration.

Too much work like any addiction is bad for an individual. And having employees work long hours does not necessarily promise greater productivity for the company either.

Now, there is a difference between hard work and workaholism.

Bryan Robinson said it best, "Hard work put us on the moon and discovered vaccinations and built this country. But hard workers generally have some balance in their lives. They sit at their desks and think about skiing. The workaholic is on the ski slopes thinking about work."

Am I Having A Mid-life Crisis?

I’m sure feel I'm in one. Otherwise, I won’t be blogging about it, would I? Ironically, I used to jokingly tell my friends four years ago that I'm in a mid-life crisis when they spotted me driving a new roadster...yeah, i needed a change. mid-life crisis, what else? That was supposed to brush off any further questioning.

Four years today this phrase came back to haunt me. Probably I’m getting old. Of course, age has to do with it. In fact, age has everything to do with it! I google searched on mid life crisis symptoms and found this interesting page .

I like the points listed that acts like a checklist. So I went through the points one after another and see how I fit in.

Lets see..

The first point…No longer “knowing” the person staring back at you in the mirror

"Knowing?" I got a slight problem with this. I don’t even "look" at the mirror that often nowadays. The one I used for make-up in the morning has a spoiled bulb. The light that I ever get is behind my back. So it’s a dim affair in the morning. In the office, forget about the mirror. It is so tiny that the only thing I ever spotted was the white hair sticking out unto my forehead. Shucks! Time to dye my hair again…and that’s the only time I seriously look and it's my hair I'm staring. Well, I was not born with white hair. So, it makes sense, no longer "knowing" this person. A tick here. Next..

2. Worrying about where your life is going

I know where my life is going - the numbers are climbing. Well, who isn't? Worrying? Now, who has time for that? No tick.

3. Feeling frustrated with just about everything

Feeling frustrated, yes. About everything? I would have died long ago if "everything". Tick or no tick. Oh my, this is tough.

4. Experiencing feelings of regret

Of course there are regrets. I have been alive and kicking all these years not hiding in a closet...harlo? Alright, half tick.

5. Focusing on what you are losing. It feels as though you are standing on shifting sands, that your best years are behind you and that everything is changing.

Gosh, menopause came into mind. So shall I give a tick?

6. Feeling almost 'invisible'. You may feel stripped of your identity and purpose and find it increasingly difficult to be 'seen' when you no longer attract instant admiration.

“no longer attract instant admiration” LOL I can't even remember an experience of instant admiration. So, where is the point of comparison? A tick or no tick this one?

7. Thinking that time is running out. Midlife is that time when you metaphorically turn a corner and see the finishing post for the first time!

Oh, I have trained myself to have the end in mind all the time! And I hope I'm not being delusional. Or am I?

8. Questioning the meaning of life. Midlife has been defined as the time when you reach the top of the ladder only to find it's leaning against the wrong wall. If you keep asking yourself 'Is this it?', then chances are your ladder is indeed against the wrong wall.

Alright, I confessed. I do asked this question sometimes. But I didn’t know I’m leaning on a wall. Am I not supposed to break down walls? Ok, this is lame but seriously, one makes the best of whatever wall given as long as the wall is not on the brink of collapse. I refuse to tick this one. You can say I didn't get it right. But I'm standing my ground.

9. Feeling trapped.

Thank God I’m not inside a lift...phew!

10. Wanting to make some changes but not know where to begin. Feeling overwhelmed saps your power and keeps you stuck, helpless and fearful of making the 'wrong' choices. The way to move out of the paralysis is to stop 'getting ready' and start 'doing'. Take responsibility for making change happen, no matter how small and remind yourself how good it feels to be in control.

This is tricky. I need more time...

End of checklist.

The author of the page finally said what may feel like a crisis is in fact an inevitable and natural life stage characterized by internal change and reorientation. I really like that. So, it’s a stage or phase of life one has to go through. I conclude now that mid life crisis is a misused term. What crisis? I probably just need a vacation...:p

A Little Bit Of Love Doesn't Hurt

Today is Valentine’s Day! How the celebration was originated, no one really have all the facts but it’s now deem as a special day for lovers to show their affection and to express love to the special someone.

And some expanded the meaning of this day to include expressing appreciation and gratitude between good friends, bosses and colleagues and even between companies and their customers.

And why not?

Any gesture of kindness – whether a word of appreciation, a card, gifts and etc are welcomed by anyone. No one would resist more love. In any case, it’s the lack of it that we should be worried about.

A little bit of love doesn't hurt.

So, if you want to do something special for your colleague or bosses, go do it. The act might be as simple as saying a word of encouragement but it might just do its magic of brightening up someone’s day!

So, happy valentine’s day, readers! And thank you for stopping by….:)

Holiday Season...Can't Concentrate At Work

I like this time of the year. There are a lot of glitter, colors, and beautiful carols at the background wherever I go.

And most of the time, I felt a sense of “winter” (the song white christmas and decor in shopping malls kinda persuaded my mind to think so) and I can’t help but imagine myself being transported to another place, skiing and playing with snow.

But wait a minute, I’m in the office.

I should be working instead of day-dreaming.

This season dubbed as the holiday season makes concentration on work difficult. I'm sure I'm not alone.

So, are we less productive during this period? Should employers be concerned?

Surprise! A new survey from Accountemps said the week right before a holiday break can actually mean greater productivity at work!

One-third (34 percent) of senior managers surveyed recently by Accountemps said their employees are less productive the week before a major holiday. This compares to 44 percent of executives who cited pre-holiday productivity declines in a similar survey five years ago.

It seems the trend has changed for the better - that people are more productive than before!

Kathryn Bolt, an Accountemps executive, attributed this to many people working better under pressure.

“Although the results may seem surprising at first, it is evident that the need to stay focused and get as much work done as possible before [a holiday] break is a priority amongst many employees,” Bolt said in a statement. “To enjoy the season’s company parties, family festivities and other activities, it becomes greatly beneficial to put in that added effort during the work hours leading up to the break.”

Phew…that’s a great relief to employers!

Anyway, if you are in the retail industry, this is a joke! Who has time to think about holiday? The best time to earn big bucks is now...:)

Check out who’s hiring during the holidays? Click here

Inspiring Poem

I can't remember when was the last time I read a poem. So when I stumbled this, it was absolutely refreshing.

In a world of work madness, we need a poem like this to remind again what's important. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did...:)

A CREED TO LIVE BY

Don't undermine your worth by comparing
yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don't set your goals by what other people
deem important.

Only you know what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life, for without them
life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers
by living in the past or for the future.
By living your life one day at a time,
you live all the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks.

It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
Don't dismiss your dreams.

To be without dreams is to be without hope;
to be without hope is to be without purpose.
Don't run through life so fast that you forget
not only where you've been, but also where you're going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored
each step of the way.

- Nancye Sims -

Cut Down The Noise

Noise comes in many shapes and sizes. They are noise when they interrupt our focus, taking our attention, time and energy away from what matters.

But most of us didn't know they are noise and we unconsciously entertain them.

We make commitments that we cannot keep.

We sign-up for engagements that we do not enjoy.

We buy the latest gadgets that we do not need.

We read and listen to every latest news.

We say we need to stay on top of things. Otherwise, we won't make it.

And we go through this cycle of illusion that to be busy and to be seen doing lots of things, we will be on the path to success, that we are the next real thing.

But our body tell us something else. We get sick.

Our minds felt overwhelmed - we ended up burned out, discouraged or even disillusioned.

Things that we do that do not give us a sense of fulfilment, that do not enhance value to our lives or the lives of others are noise. They are stress in disguise that cripple us eventually. Cut them down!

But wait a minute...

What about things like sweeping a dirty floor, washing the toilet, taking out the garbage, relieving a sick colleague and etc. These tasks are obligations and you can't avoid them!

Yes, I said cut them down for it's not possible to completely cut them off.

Yet, we can turn the mundane to meaningful task if we understand the consequences of our acts. By relieving a sick colleague, I'm saying to her that we are a team and we should watch out for one another, besides I might just learn something new from her work. To arrive to such a perspective and attitude takes a renewed mind - that your every act means something, has a purpose after all.

Yet again, it's in the silence away from the noise pollution that one is able to get to that perspective.