Don’t Stop Fishing!

A friend of mine recently started working at the Associate Vice President level in one of the top 5 Canadian banks.

He had been trying to move past the Director level in his previous company for about 2 years.

Every time performance reviews came around his former company would give the excuse that he was not yet ‘fully ready’ or there was no role that was a ‘good fit’ for him.

Around this time, we got talking and I was able to help confirm what he already suspected that “it’s okay to look for your next career level outside your current employer”

So, he started having career discussions with potential companies and within 6 months he achieved what he had been waiting to get in 2 years.

When he resigned, the former company tried to find ways to retain him, but it was too late – he had already ‘resigned’ before he resigned.

I’m glad for my friend, he is thriving in his new role at a level where he can make more impact and be appreciated accordingly.

When you’re looking to make your next career move, don’t be afraid to look outside your current company and see what’s out there for you.

One of three things are likely to happen

1) You get your desired role and move on
2) You get the new job offer, tell your current company and they match/exceed the offer and retain you or
3) You don’t get an offer which helps you identify the things you need to do to get the offer next time

No matter the outcome, you are better for it.

So don’t feel stranded in your career, throw your fishing line in the water and see what kind of fish you catch!