Beginnings

Over the last two years record numbers of people have voluntarily left their jobs. Some of these people have left for more flexible work in the gig economy. Some are seeking a change in lifestyle. But many have been spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic and associated social upheavals to take a deep look at their lives and what gives them purpose.

There is no doubt your purpose will change over time and it’s right to constantly find new ways to reinvigorate it. But there is no doubt those periods of transition are challenging to navigate. All of us experience moments when we must face the difficult decision to let go of doing something that formerly offered us purpose.

But big decisions, like a career change, should be approached carefully and people need to be thoughtful about reinventing their current work before moving on to something new.? However, there are times where the right choice is to strike out on a fresh path.

As you consider whether to resign or take on a?career change, here are a few signs you might use to evaluate whether it’s time to truly move on from work that previously provided you with meaning:

• It’s no longer encouraging your growth.

When you notice a source of purpose is no longer helping you grow, look to reinvention or some other change. Leaving a job is a big decision and impacts the individual and those nearest and dearest, so in the first instance it’s important to see if there are ways to craft their work or make changes within their current professional environment before moving on. Often, reinvigorating your work can be as simple as seeing it differently and modifying it in small ways. But if you’ve exhausted that path and can no longer grow in your profession, it might be time to move on.

• You’ve achieved what you set out to achieve.

Sometimes, you may lack growth in your current position because you believe there’s nothing left to aspire to. When staff retire many report they are immensely satisfied with that period of life and although work had an incredible source of meaning, they are ready to leave it behind. Sometimes we simply accomplish what we set out to achieve and are ready to move on to new challenges.

• You actively look for ways to avoid your job.

?A profession should be something we approach with curiosity and anticipation, not avoidance.?I recall my younger self when approaching an exam, spending hours tidying the desk, sharpening the pencils, arranging the notes ?etc. rather than opening the books to study. ?If you are actively looking for Ways to avoid what you choose to do in work as the fabulous #JacintaArdern said, know when “it’s time”. ?

• You regularly approach work with exhaustion, burnout, or dread.

If you regularly feel dread at approaching your work, it’s time to seriously consider changing it or leaving it behind. Your life is short and precious, and your work should enrich it. Know when “there is no longer enough in the tank”.

• It’s causing you to develop bad habits.

When something you look to for purpose begins pulling you further from it and from your values, you need to let it go. Never let a professional environment change you for the worse — particularly on matters of character.

• Your workplace has become unhealthy.

Workplaces may be or have become psychologically unsafe or are consistently harmful to your physical or emotional health. If you find yourself in that unenviable position, it’s time to move on.

But letting go of the old is part of keeping life fresh and allowing purpose to change over time. There are huge positives and there is nothing without risk. Your life is in your hands, something more and more people are realising, indeed time flies and life is short. ?#JacintaArdern I salute you and thank you for your immense service, courage and honesty. Knowing when “it’s time” is probably one of the greatest skills. ??

Over the years I have observed many exceptional women leaving the workplace to embark on pastures new, they have a wealth of talent, experience and EQ.?It is just so important that we tap into group for the betterment of both society and the economy. This is a topic I am both immensely passionate and curious about. I would love to hear from women who have made big career transitions or left the workplace. This is to help understand how the knowledge and skill accumulated over many years has been rechannelled and indeed if collectively and on a voluntary basis we can collaborate and ensure this immense source of talent and experience is visible and available. #NewBeginnings #WomeninLeadership ?#ItsTime ?#JacintaArdern ?????