One More Hop
There comes a moment in every frog’s life when they find themselves sitting on a lily pad, looking out over the pond, and wondering:?Is it time for one more hop??Maybe the water is getting a little murky. Perhaps the pad is starting to sink just a little. Maybe another pad over there looks a bit greener. Or maybe-just maybe-you are just ready for a change.
The same thing happens in our careers. We reach a point where we have to ask ourselves whether to stay put or take the leap. Sometimes, that means jumping to another company. Sometimes, it means shifting to a different role within the same organization. And sometimes, the answer is to stay put and make the most of where we are. The trick is knowing when to leap, when to wait, and how to stick the landing when we do decide to make a move.
The Current Lily Pad: Assessing Where You Are
Before you make any moves, it is essential to see if your current situation works for you. Does this job still challenge you? Do you think it's aligned with your long-term goals? Or have you been sitting in the same spot so long that the water around you has stagnated?
Sometimes, staying where you are is correct if you are still growing, engaged, and finding opportunities. But if you feel unmotivated, boxed in, or constantly questioning whether there is something better out there, it might be time to start scanning the pond.
Scanning the Pond: Exploring Opportunities
If you decide to start looking, it is essential to take a strategic approach. Not every lily pad is as stable as it seems. Just because another company or role appears promising does not mean it will fit better.
This is where research, networking, and self-reflection come into play. What do you want in your next move? More challenge? More flexibility? A different culture? Do you know if there is a better title? It is easy to be lured in by a seemingly perfect opportunity, but it is worth taking the time to make sure it aligns with what you are looking for. Do not forget to consider internal; sometimes, the right jump is just to a different part of the same pond.
The Leap: Making the Decision and Taking Action
Deciding to leap is one thing. Making the jump is another. Change is hard, even when it is the right decision. There is always that moment of hesitation before a big leap-what if I do not make it? What if I land somewhere worse?
That fear is normal. But staying frozen in place out of fear is not a great strategy. The key is preparation. If you have done your research, built your skills, and talked to the right people, you are not jumping blindly-you are making a calculated move. Timing also matters. So that you know – not every opportunity needs to be taken immediately. Sometimes, waiting for the right moment can make all the difference.
Landing: Adjusting to a New Role or Company
Once you have leaped, the work is not over. Now comes the adjustment period-learning the culture, building relationships, and proving yourself all over again. Every new role comes with a learning curve, and giving yourself the time and space to settle in is essential.
That said, if you find yourself on a new lily pad and realize it is not what you expected, do not panic. Sometimes, the only way to determine if something is correct is to try it. And if you need to make another hop, that is okay, too.
The Big Picture
Careers are not straight paths; they are a series of well-timed jumps. Every move we make—whether a leap forward, a lateral hop, or even a decision to stay put-is a chance to grow, learn, and shape our journey.
So, if you are sitting on your lily pad today, wondering if it is time for one more hop, take a moment to reflect. Look around, weigh your options, and trust your instincts. Sometimes, the best way forward is just one leap away.
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