Are you running to a job or away from a job?

I’m having this conversation with James this week.

James is good at his job. His employer has written him incredible performance reviews over the past few years and had him on the shortlist for promotion. Everyone enjoys working with James as he’s easy to get along with, highly skilled and well-respected by the stakeholders. The employer is so happy with his work, they recently invested in him pursuing an advanced degree.

Then, almost without warning, they changed his job. The tasks associated with the role feel junior to James’ capabilities and that had him feeling unsure about their plans for his career. This had him questioning whether or not to stay in this role. Add to that he learned, he would not be promoted – even though the promotion was in title only (there’s very little increase in pay, but James had his eye set on the title and now feels his professional goals no longer align with those of the company). Ouch.

Here’s the clincher. The organization has well-documented attrition, recruitment and retention problem. They have for years. Sadly, after many loyal years with this organization, James has had enough. He’s ready to throw in the towel.

I asked James before we go any further

📌 “What’s the motivation behind you wanting to find a new job?”

📌 “What does success look like for you?”

📌 “Paint for me a picture of the perfect job?”

After much discussion, James realized he’s both running from a job and running to a job simultaneously.

He no longer wants to be part of an organization that fails to acknowledge and respect his value.

He wants to be somewhere his contributions are valued and appreciated. James wants to make an impact in his job and feels he can no longer do so in his current role. And so, is exploring opportunities outside his current employer.

With the market being the way it is, it wasn’t long before James found something that checked all the boxes for him. While he struggles with leaving his current role because he has so much time invested in it, he’s excited about the possibility of working somewhere different, somewhere that offers him the opportunity to do the work he enjoys.

He’s applying to a job for the first time in 25+ years and he’s both excited and terrified. It’s an emotional roller coaster, but I have every confidence James will find a new home for his trusted leadership.

About The Author
Maureen McCann is an award-winning career coach, master resume writer, and master certified interview, employment, and career strategist whose clients include C-level executives, managers, and professionals in all industries including the Canadian banking, oil and gas, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.