A little over a month ago I made a job switch. I had been at my last company for 3.5 years and after 3 promotions, I felt like I had gotten to a point where I wasn’t advancing in my career anymore. There were other reasons that motivated my change to find a new role outside of the company, but suffice to say, it has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made in a long time.
Top: Target Who What Wear Popover Blouse (XS/TTS) – (long-sleeve option)
Belt: Gucci Double G (75) – (Amazon dupe, also here)
Bottom: AE Ne(x)t Level High Waisted Jegging (00 xshort / size down) – (darker wash option)
Shoes: old (similar, similar)
Bag: Gucci Marmont, size small – (Amazon dupe)
Watch: Fitbit ‘Versa Lite’
Lashes: Velour ‘You Complete Me’ w/ Esqido Companion Glue
It’s crazy to think that I’ve now been at 4 different companies (outside of my job as an influencer, of course!) since I’ve graduated college and while my journey to where I am right now has not been linear nor has it gone as I expected, but I couldn’t be more grateful for where it has landed me today. As I reflect on each of these changes, it’s surprising to see patterns emerge as well as how certain maybe not-so-serendipitous events shaped my path.
Read on as I’m sharing 3 lessons that I’ve learned from having changes jobs 4 different times in my professional career!
3 Lessons Learned From 4 Different Jobs
1. Don’t Get Complacent. Change Is Good.
Once you’ve been in a role for a number of years, it’s inevitable that you settle into a rhythm and get comfortable. The work even may not seem as challenging anymore, and it can be easy to settle into a kind of “auto-pilot” mode. I’ve always been one to seek out challenges and push myself, but most recently when I found myself not being given the time, space, or empowerment from upper leadership, I knew that I needed a change of scenery.
I know personally how hard it can be when it comes to leaving a team and company that feels like family. Change can be hard but it can also be SO GOOD. With every job change that I’ve had, it’s given me opportunities to grow, to push my limits, and it’s the most fulfilling feeling ever. Plus, use the new environment as an opportunity to hone in on what it is that you want when it comes to a role, a company, and a culture. If you’re in a position where you feel stuck or bored, change. I can’t recommend it enough.
2. Take Advantage of Your Network
I was able to land two of my four jobs thanks to just connecting with my network of friends. The more time I’ve spent in the professional workplace, the more I’ve realized that who you know is everything. Back when I lived in Austin and was just starting to look for a job in Dallas, I coincidentally ran into a college friend at a party one weekend and it was through his recommendation that I apply for a job at a hedge fund he knew was hiring. I later googled the company, submitted my resume into what’s usually a black hole, but actually ended up with a call from HR. A few interviews and a site visit later, I got the job!
Similarly, the role that I’m currently in now was actually thanks to a friend that I made when I attended a Crossfit gym more than 4 years ago! While I don’t do Crossfit anymore, the community that it creates is unbeatable and I for sure made so many friends from my experience! Thanks to a DM from my then gym buddy, I ended up applying for a role at his company and well, here I am!
Lastly, at my last position in my former workplace, I referred a friend to join my team after we met up at a Dallas fitness influencer event, and crazy to see that she’s now managing my former team I’ve since left the company!
I can’t even begin to emphasize the importance of growing a strong network. You never know when you’re going to end up falling back on your connections and how it may just help shape your journey!
3. Know Your Worth
This is a hard lesson that I had to learn personally. It can be daunting to put yourself out there on the job market and at one point when I was making the transition from stay-at-home-mom to working mom, I made the mistake of undervaluing my abilities. Have confidence, evaluate your strengths, and learn how to sell yourself. Trust me when I say that you’ll rise up to the occasion, and there’s no better way to grow yourself personally as well as professionally!
Top: Target Who What Wear Popover Blouse (XS/TTS) – (long-sleeve option)
Belt: Gucci Double G (75) – (Amazon dupe, also here)
Bottom: AE Ne(x)t Level High Waisted Jegging (00 xshort / size down) – (darker wash option)
Shoes: old (similar, similar)
Bag: Gucci Marmont, size small – (Amazon dupe)
Watch: Fitbit ‘Versa Lite’
Lashes: Velour ‘You Complete Me’ w/ Esqido Companion Glue
Never settle in life and especially when it comes to a job — find a role that excites you, that empowers you, and that makes you the grow into a better version of yourself!
I’d love to know any tips or anecdotes you may have when it comes to changing jobs!
++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera, lens, tripod, and remote. ++
edited using Dreamy Presets – Millenial Pink (tutorial)
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These are such helpful tips for anyone who is considering switching jobs. I myself have switched my professional job 5 times and the 5th was the charm! But each and every job was a learning experience, and the cumulative experiences have made me a better doctor and person.
This post is so great! While it is easy to get comfortable at a job, I couldn’t agree more that change is good! I’ve had 3 jobs since college and each one has taught me new things!
xoxo,
Kim
All of the tips are perfect! I definitely agree that change is good. Sometimes that’s all you need!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Great tips and great lessons. I couldn’t agree more. Change IS good. It moves us forward and also helps analyze our worth.
❥ tanvii.com
Change is good! It’s so nice to meet new people too. I’ve met so many new friends moving around. Now I’m back at my original job! LOL! But I’m so grateful for my experiences!
Also, loving these pics!!
Sounds like you’ve had an amazing career so far, and I think it’s great that you constantly want to find new challenges and opportunities and keep growing!
Chic on the Cheap
totally agree with all of your points!
You are wise beyond your years beautiful.
Congrats on the new job! and such wise words – i love the reminder to know your worth.
Great tips. I’ve been at my current employer for nearly 7 years! I can’t believe it has been that long, but I’ve had so many opportunities to grow and develop new skills. I don’t think it is time for me to move yet, but I hope it will be clear once the time comes. It’s so easy to get comfortable, so I hope I don’t allow that to happen!
Change is good, but so SCARY! I loved reading this one!
Such excellent advice. I agree with these tips. So many people stay in the wrong job for too long and remain underpaid and unhappy. At the same time it takes so much courage to switch for some people!
Such great tips here! People get so complacent in their jobs are avoid change due to fear. Thanks for the great reminders!
-Amy
http://www.twoweeknoticesociety.com
I definitely agree that change is good! I don’t really work in a field where there’s much room for advancement (I’m a librarian and I don’t have much interest in being a library director) but I still push for change and trying new things in my role. Great lessons!
I totally needed to read this! I’ve been at my current job for five years and have kind of plateaud. I don’t dislike my job but I think there could be better things out there….I needed that little push to encourage me to keep my eyes open! Thanks and best wishes!
I got really bored at my last job as they weren’t doing any promotions. I decided to leave and it was a great decision. Really great tips here!
Yes. Change is so good! Sometimes it makes us get out of our comfort zone, which is the ideal time to make change!
Yes I totally agree, change is good….its sometimes hard but it’s good and I’m glad that you know your worth!
Love that cute top!
Knowing your worth is SO important, especially for women as we consistently undervalue ourselves. I like the saying “know your worth then add tax.”
haha I need to start using that phrase!! love it!
xo,
kileen
Change is good and it’s always a good idea, especially when you feel stuck or bored x
These are great takeaways! Change is good even if its scary. Its always good to switch things up if it doesn’t feel good!
These are all great tips! I’ve been in my job for 5.5 years and I’ve definitely felt this way before. It’s important to either find a new position within your company, find out if there’s more classes/training, or look for a new job if you are feeling too complacent.
wow these all really hit home with me and are all so true. I currently just started to remember my worth and I realized it is time for a change so I signed up for a course in a completely different field. I’m terrified to leave the industry I’ve loved for 10 years but excited to learn and grow in a new one where I will be in control of my future.
These are SUCH great tips!! Especially about networking… you never know who you are going to meet and when making connections can come in handy! Good luck at the new job 🙂
xx rebecca // the crystal press
Switching jobs can definitely be stressful, but these are all good tips!
This is great and these tips are so important!
So happy to hear that you are continuing to challenge yourself and push yourself to the limits! So cool to hear what the right connections can do for you and vice versa!
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