Serial Job Hopper

“Are you one of those people that can’t stay in a job for more than a year or two”? I was asked by an employer once after I gave notice. At the time, I remember feeling insulted and questioned it myself. Maybe I was a Serial Job Hopper!

Over the years, I’ve learned a great many things about myself with each and every job that I have held. I’m sharing it here because I think others can benefit from hearing it and possibly give themselves permission to do the same. Instead of beating yourself up when you realize you are in the wrong position, remind yourself that you just haven't found the right one yet.

What is the OPPORTUNITY LOST if you choose to stay in your current position, despite being unhappy with it? Sure, we can change our thoughts and possibly feel better about the job, but what happens when you have that gnawing feeling that you can’t possibly stay any longer? What if there is something else out there that is better suited for you and will feel more fulfilling and meaningful for you?

With each job that I have ever had, I have learned more about myself. With each move, I stretched myself a little more, took some risks, and discovered so much about myself. This would have never happened had I stayed in the same job year after year.

My father was a career General Motors man. He started on the assembly line and worked his way up to management. He was there 38 years! He would always be baffled when I told him I had a new job or I was looking again. For him and his generation, staying with the same company was just what you did. Although he didn't quite understand my frequent job changes, he did always tell me to look for something that I enjoy.

Why don’t we all follow that that directive? Jack Canfield says, “we all have an internal GPS system that lets you know if you are on purpose. Follow what you enjoy and you will be on track”. Practical things like salary, benefits, location, etc all tend to blur our path. Fear and self doubt will certainly hold us back and will rear their ugly heads if left unchecked.

Switching jobs and making a career change will help you to grow. It is not a character flaw! We don’t all know and understand what we are meant to do or what jobs suits us best until we experience it. We don't all know from the time we are younger what we want to do. Although there are lots of signs pointing us in the right direction, we just tend not to see them!

Here are some suggestions and questions to ask yourself:

If you have a hunch you are wanting to leave your current position, do some digging as to what aspects about your current job aren’t working for you. Sometimes, it really isn’t about the job that you don’t like. It is often your thoughts about the people you work with and/or aspects of the job you don’t like. There is a lot of mindset work that can be done to shift your thoughts about your particular situation.

What is it that you are looking for in a job? Are you looking for fulfillment, meaning, purpose or are you just looking to collect a paycheck?

What are your beliefs about YOU in the workplace? Sometimes our own beliefs about our potential can sabotage us! The fear of how we will be perceived can get in the way of us making a change.

Why did you choose the field you are in? What about it was the most appealing to you?

Before you make a switch, start to discover more about you, what you need and what you want in the next job. Although it is fairly easy to make a lateral move, what usually happens is you shift into a similar role and will soon find yourself dreading the new job. It may be time for an industry switch or major role change.

It’s worth the time and effort getting to know what it is that you need out of a job, what lights you up and excites you and what you would most like do. ?Download my FREE Career Workbook to help you in this exploration process.

To learn more about my Life and Career Coaching programs and my proven system, check out my website at hildiahee.com message to set up a complimentary consult call. I look forward to helping you to find your dream job and to be the best version of yourself!