Career: Should You Let Your Employer Know You're Looking?

I've only changed organizations once in my career so I am by no means an expert on this topic but I think it's an important question to ask yourself when you begin to explore other career opportunities. I've heard stories of an employee having their resume posted on Monster only to come to work the following day to be let go because they were "looking" elsewhere. This type of scenario begs the question of whether or not it's a good practice to let your employer know you may not be happy.

If you read my last post, you'll know that I resigned from my job and honestly, since I've done that, I think it's not a bad thing to let your Manager know you're not happy. Now it definitely depends on your position. Often to protect company information and property, you very well could be walked out so it's important to prepare for the worst case scenario. Most importantly is that you go about it in an incredibly professional way. Below are my tips to prepare yourself for that conversation.

1. Dissect your reasons for wanting to leave the company

They are going to ask you why so be prepared with your answer. Make sure you can communicate it clearly and confidently. Also be prepared to answer some follow up questions.

2. Be prepared for a counter offer

Some companies will counter offer if you put in your notice for another job, especially if they want to keep you. Handling a counter offer well will depend on how well you've thought about the reasons you want to leave. If it's strictly due to money, give the counter offer a solid thought.

3. Don't ever burn bridges

You always want to be able to use past employers as a reference so don't make any moves that would hurt a connection. This includes sharing some of the real reasons why you want to leave with your co-workers. Word travels fast in every organization and bad press could shorten your notice.

4. Be confident

Go into the conversation with the confidence that you are making the right decision. Wear a power suit that day, have a typed up resignation letter ready in the event they try to talk you out of it. Believe in yourself that you are making the right decision.

The D Word

All I wanted to do was buy a new iPhone. I had made up my mind and that's what I wanted to do in that moment. When I could not buy a new phone because of some "authorized user" nonsense, I could feel the shift in my body. My face got hot and my shoulders became tense.

I walked to my car, parked it a few spots away from any other cars and proceeded to have the most heart wrenching cry. I felt disconnected with myself. Out of control.

Later that night, I laid my head on Tim's chest and cried again. The second I realized what I was feeling, I couldn't keep myself from loosing it. Tim ran his big hand through my hair.

"I think I'm depressed and I'm scared" I told him.

I am no stranger to struggles with mental health and I always could tell when I needed to get back into therapy. The second I start to feel anxious (aside from the every day anxieties) or down, I would text my therapist and make an appointment. But for the first time in my life, I felt as though I couldn't see the forrest through the trees. I was in the high season at work which meant very little time and didn't feel the normal ease of snapping myself out of it. And that's what scared me.

I had forgotten all about the importance of self care and as a result, found myself in a really rough spot. The Monday following that experience, I committed myself to the steps I needed to take to get myself back on track. I decided that I needed to resign from my position at work. I made an appointment with my therapist. I am taking deeper breathes and slowing down the moments to get myself back to a better place where self care is a priority.

I am redefining my life, setting boundaries and as Jenny puts it "deciding what I want more of in my life."

I write about this topic because it's important for women to realize that they are not defined my their career and it is easy to lose yourself by focusing only on your paycheck or title. I encourage each of you to take a step back and evaluate where you are in this moment. Are you practicing self care and do you have enough of what you need in your life?

Five on Friday: Tips for Job Hunting

And we're back! I've been in a rough patch lately....lack of creativity, time, motivation, all those excuses ya know?

Here are my five tips when you're job hunting.

1. Don't give up!

It's so easy to get down on yourself when you don't hear back from that job that you really wanted. Or the one that you thought you were the perfect candidate for. What I've learned in life is that it always works out how it's supposed to and that job that passed on you, really wasn't the best fit anyways.

2. Be thorough

I'm not sure why but it seems as application processes for organizations are getting longer and longer! Although not ideal, spend the time on an application. This is your FIRST impression. Make it a good one. If the job ad looks for a cover letter, write up a cover letter. If it asks for references, send them. Don't pass up on a potential new career just because the application process is annoying.

3. Look for alternatives

When you can't find your perfect job, look for alternatives. Not all job titles do a good job reflecting the job itself. Dig a little deeper into the job description and discover if your skills would be transferable. Also look into alternative work set-ups. Telecommuting and home based jobs are out there and certain companies are known for offering those arrangements like Dell and ADP.

4. Create a new e-mail

I can't tell you the amount of times I have viewed resumes with e-mails like sexychick@hotmail.com or ilove420@yahoo.com. Make sure you are using a professional e-mail so that your experience stands out and not your immaturity.

5. Be patient

Sometimes candidates send a resume and then call two days later to follow up. Be patient with organizations. Allow them at least five business days to view your resume.

There is much, much more that goes into job hunting but I hope these tips help you on your way!