All of the books, seminars, and online resources about finding the perfect man have made you a true relationship expert; you know what you are looking for, you have methods for attracting your soul mate, and, most importantly, you know what you should never settle for.
But how confident are you in your relationship with your career? Are you happy, fulfilled, and making the best use of your gifts? Or are you guilty of the common mistake that most career driven professionals make; settling in a career that serves you right now without taking into consideration the impact of your professional future.
Career settling is exactly what it sounds like: it is choosing a career because of convenience. The job may look good because everybody wants it⎯it might make you feel good for a short period of time because of the reputable name that you can add to your résumé⎯it may also fill your pockets because of the attractive compensation packages. But here is the most important question you should ask yourself: does it bring out the best in you? Does it stretch you and make you a person worth becoming?
Are you one of those people who are settling in your career? If you are saying yes to any of these three red flags listed below, you may be settling for less than the best in your career:
1) You are not able to fully be yourself and completely authentic in your career.
Some people wear a mask and hide who they really are when they enter the workplace. They feel like they have to watch what they say and how they say it. They are so concerned about making the best impression that they slowly become a carbon copy of everyone else in the office. It’s hurting them inside. They wish they could release who they truly are but they have no idea how they would be accepted or if they would be accepted. They just want to share the best of themselves but don’t know how.
2) You feel underappreciated and undervalued.
No matter what some people do, it’s never good enough. They even invest extra time into producing the highest results but it still doesn’t meet expectations. They’re at the point where they don’t know if they can make a valuable contribution in the workplace. They’re losing their voice in the workplace because they don’t even think that their voice matters.
3) You don’t build valuable relationships.
Do you look forward to going to work so that you can engage in meaningful conversations with your colleagues? Work is about connections. You have to put yourself in an environment where you can be around people that you want to grow with. The people you surround yourself with provide a glimpse into the future you are creating. Have you ever heard the saying, “You are a combination of the people that you hang around most”? Choose wisely. Choose relationships that take you from where you are to where you want to be
Most people settle in their career because they are not willing to invest the time into creating the type of life that aligns with what they truly want. It takes intention and strategy to create a rewarding career. It takes a never-ending commitment to you and your dreams. It will require you to do the things you are too afraid to do. It may require late nights and early mornings. You may have to make some sacrifices. But aren’t you worth it? Don’t you deserve the most rewarding career experience you can imagine?
Do not be compelled to spend your valuable time with a company that doesn’t believe in your mission and vision; choose a company that matches your values. The same responsibility that you have in your relationships is the same standard of care that should be given to your career.
