- You’ll find good people no matter where you work.
Sometimes the hardest part about leaving a job is leaving the people you work with. There’s an element of feeling like you’re abandoning people. You know you’ll miss working with them every day. What if you don’t find new friends at a new job? The thing is, you’ll find good people at every job. And as long as you leave in an appropriate way (giving a two weeks notice, providing documentation for handing off projects, etc.), you’ll be able to maintain those relationships outside of work, if that’s something you want to do. The bottom line is, though, that there are amazing people at every company and organization. Don’t let that be the reason you stay somewhere that isn’t benefiting your career dreams.
- The worst they can say is no.
Lauren Simonis, Ad 2 Madison President
This one came from my mom. It’s scary to apply for jobs when you aren’t sure if it’s going to be the right fit. Or maybe you don’t think you’re completely qualified. The worst thing that can happen, if you apply for a job, is that they say “sorry, we’re moving forward with other candidates.” That’s it. Don’t self-reject. Let HR reject you if they don’t think you are the right fit.
- Sometimes you need to be selfish.
This was the hardest one for me and is a great rule for all aspects of your career. If you feel like you deserve a raise at work, be an advocate for yourself and ask. If you are overwhelmed with the amount of work on your plate, mention something to your manager. If you are afraid to leave for another opportunity because of the work load and stress you’d be putting on your coworkers, there will never be the “perfect” time to leave. If you’re interviewing and the compensation and benefits aren’t enough, negotiate. Know your worth, know what you want and make it happen. It’s your career, after all.
