What truly matters when considering a job is …

I've been busy grooming a bunch of fancy corporate big shots, or as I humorously refer to them, "Jeremy's.” Not to belittle, oh no - simply helping them sprout like my wise Rat team in our cosy sanctuary! As my team and I offer a safe heaven that provide the right space for growth, resourcefulness, wisdom, and community; just like the Rats of NIMH.?

What? Why Jeremy? Who are the Rats of NIMH? Are you on drugs??

If you have no idea what I am talking about, let me enlighten you??. I am talking about Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. This classic children's novel features a widowed field mouse named Mrs. Frisby who seeks help from a society of intelligent rats who once escaped a research lab. The rats, who call themselves NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), possess advanced knowledge and technology.?

If you have never read this book, make sure you do so, since the story's relevance goes beyond a cute animal tale. It explores themes that resonate with us, such as Overcoming Obstacles,?Importance of Community, and?Knowledge and Responsibility. Even better, read it with your kids!

If you have no time you can always prompt your favourite AI tool to help you with that, here is a prompt that might help you: Can you give me a short 2-minute summary of “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH”? Make sure you cover the following aspects: Main Characters, highlight the Central Conflict, mention Key Events, and Emphasize Thematic Connection.

While the above story tells us about Mrs. Frisby who follows her quest to save her son, it also offers surprising parallels to the modern corporate world, often referred to as the “rat race.” ?Just like Mrs. Frisby, navigating the maze of a career path requires courage, resourcefulness, and the ability to find purpose beyond the cheese. While Many corporations, like NIMH, the intelligent rat society, have a clear social structure. There are leaders, departments, and a focus on achieving goals. Both Mrs. Frisby and the NIMH rats strive for a better life, facing challenges and pushing boundaries.?

The question remains as to how to choose the right or the best professional path, what is more relevant while choosing my most fulfilling career, and lives purpose. Well, here is a simple guide for you to consider, as I help my Jeremy's navigate our NIMH.

I’d like to break down some other factors we should be using to evaluate a job/position when as I help my Jeremy's navigate our NIMH.

??People and Money ??

While certain characters have the power to jazz up our existence, they also pack a punch when it comes to messing with our groove. Team up with your lifelines for some serious satisfaction. On the flip side, handling an unsuitable boss is simply soul-crushing. Clocking in with folks who truly rock your world? That's worth more than a mere salary boost.

??Autonomy and money ???

Autonomy, the key to happiness at work, allows you to strut your stuff. Perhaps a job with lower pay is worth it if it lets you spread your wings creatively. Picture this:

Company A: You're just a small gear in a big machine. Suggestions for improvement fall on deaf ears with the stale response, “We've always done it this way.” You're left feeling stifled.

Company B: A breath of fresh air, where your innovative spirit is celebrated. Pitch your ideas, and watch them be embraced with excitement to enhance productivity. Your input holds weight.

Choosing a path akin to Company B could be the ticket to steering your career ship. Sometimes, the lesser paying gig that fosters your creativity is the real winning play in the long run. And you might even innovate or build a second source of revenue more akin to your purpose.

??Killing the Commute or a higher pay ???

The daily grind involves an 1 hr commuting; my dear wife's saga is a classic example. Her workplace, post-pandemic, insists on physical presence, don't even get me started with that. It's a solid hour's journey to reach her desk, no matter what we think about it. This ultimately leads to her putting in an additional 20 hours each month without any monetary return, a sizable chunk of time slipping away. The expenses pile up too - fuel, car upkeep, transit passes - all factors to consider. So, even though embracing remote work or finding a job closer to home could potentially mean a slight dip in your paycheck, when you factor in the time and money saved on commutes, you might actually end up ahead in the game.

Ah, the age-old saying, location, location, location! Maybe you fancy beach front living like a celeb, or prefer mountain vibes like I do. Some are all about that city hustle. It's key to ponder this when scoping out potential jobs: Do I really want to call that place home?

??? Earning vs learning ??

Sometimes, you earn and learn simultaneously, yet it's a delicate dance of balancing act. Will your next gig boost your talents and up your worth in the long run? If a job offers exclusive growth opportunities and top-notch skills, it's a gem far beyond its paycheck.

Take my client dilemma as an example, she was offered the opportunity to set a new career path, from being a directive at a regular grind rat race place, or pursue a dream at a lower income place with high potential of learning, which would add to her long term goal.

So most will ask, which is better, what's the best path??

Ultimately, it comes down to a simple question:

What’s your goal??

Earn six-figures? Start a family? Work-life balance?

You can have whatever your heart desires, just not the whole shebang. Figuring out your life's game plan is crucial for weighing options. It's fine if cash is your jam—chasing the paycheck is legit, especially as you climb the career ladder. On the flip side, a paycheck isn't the be-all and end-all; just don't overlook the worth of your precious time.

So remember, stay focused on your end game in life. It's okay if goals shift along the way - success looks different now, blame it on modern times and aging???! When you're self-aware and your values match your work, smarter life decisions follow.

Just like Mrs. Frisby, prioritize both your family (or future goals) and your own development. ?Be proactive in your job search. ?Don't settle for a job that feels like a dead end. ?The corporate world may have its complexities, but with a bit of courage and a clear vision, you can find a path that brings both purpose and prosperity.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or as if you are not thriving for more, I can help you, and support your journey to a transformation of ongoing results and a legacy of change. You can find more information here or schedule a free call with me to chat about your vision, goals and life.