To VR or not VR – that is the question?

Actually, it isn’t the question at all…at least not until you have first of all ascertained your market worth and prospects in the prevailing market.

This is a really short “newsletter”, henceforth known as a Nugget, because I hate the term newsletter.

I have lost count of how many approaches I have received this year that start with (sic): “Hi Andy, I accepted a voluntary redundancy package X weeks ago and I was wondering if we could meet up to discuss the state of the market and whether you have anything suitable on your books at the moment.”

Really?

You made a life-changing decision to leave a secure and well-paid job without asking me (or any decent recruiter in your field) whether or not this would be a sensible choice based on current market conditions?!?

OK, if you are a Murdoch, a Packer, a Rheinhardt, a Lowy – go for your life. Work is a choice or an obsession for you and you will be fine. But let’s face it most of us are not born so lucky; the vast majority of marketers are not trust fund beneficiaries; and conversely most have mortgages, kids, gym memberships and expensive tastes in food, wine, fashion, travel etc.

I would also like to think, based on 30+ years of interviewing, the vast majority are, amongst other fine qualities, smart, sensible and well thought-out. So why this ludicrous dichotomy?

It’s simple. Right now, if you do not have a 6-12 month runway – the answer is categorically DON’T DO IT – no matter how tempting. And even if you do have that level of financial freedom, it is not an automatic yes. You need to consider being unemployed for a while. Does that matter? At the outset – no. You may plan to carve out some quality time with the family; travel; or just do something you always wanted to but never had the time. But as time marches on – yes, it does matter. Your self esteem will dwindle and it will become harder and harder to land your dream job. You will question "you" and others will too. You will compromise, because you need to. Less than ideal.

Recruitment deals in perceptions NOT realities. If the market sees you as unemployed for, let’s say, 9 months, there will be an assumption that there is something wrong with you. This is the underlying reason why the old adage of it being easier to get a new job when you are still in a job is fundamentally true.

So, whilst that massive sum of tax-free (mostly) cash seems super-appealing…check the market FIRST.

All that glitters is not gold.

Other nuggets from around the traps this month include:

What makes a Great CMO

How to get your people to embrace transformation

Three reasons to get an Executive Coach

5 Superfoods to Eat for Better Brain Health, According to a Harvard Nutritional Psychiatrist

As ever, here is a link to a page on the Hire Aspirations website where I have gathered together some of the best books, podcasts and courses to help you become the best possible marketer you can be. Be inspired! Use your journey time if you are commuting or some of that extra time you regained if you are not, to build your knowledge.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covering in future issues, please leave them in the comments below. Also, if you have any suggestions to add to my Resources page, I’m all ears.

And of course – if you want to chat about your own career management, even if you have rather boldly accepted VR or you want some tried and tested professional support to find a super talented new team player:

Until next time, keep being better, keep aiming higher,

Andy