Career Decision Making: If You Do Not Bend, Life Will Bend You

Mindy Thomas
Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

What an interesting concept to consider: “If we don’t bend, life will bend us.” When I read that excerpt from Mark Nepo’s bestselling book, The Book of the Awakening, I paused to reflect on the relationship between our careers and this very astute observation of life.

Nepo’s premise can serve as a powerful lesson about this frenzied world we live in today. If you were to reflect on your past career changes, you might find that it was possible to have prevented some of the unsuccessful moves in your career. How? What would happen if you embraced a mode of acceptance first?

I am reminded of those college days when we were assigned an enormous amount of reading in our Political Science courses. I distinctly remember the commotion caused by my college peers when they saw the reading requirements. In a sense, it was surprising because there really was no use in sounding off. Nothing was going to change. I simply thought, “It is what it is. Let’s just go with it.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not a huge advocate of change. No one really is. But, it’s a skill we all need to cultivate. Now, when I look at my military upbringing, I’m actually grateful for being exposed to and learning about change from an early age. It makes me feel a wee bit more comfortable when I’m handed a new set of rules for a new game.

I think back and contemplate the countless interviews I’ve conducted over the years as a resume writer. In fact, many people end up in my office when they’re in pain and experiencing fear, resistance, and uncertainty. But, I have to tell you, it’s truly one of the most fascinating and fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. Among other things, I’m able to understand when people are challenged as a result of not bending in their current roles. I am a witness to the many frustrations that occur when a new supervisor is assigned, when a company is acquired, or when someone is assigned to a new role with a neophyte team.

The question begs itself to be asked, “What would happen if you let the clouds pass?” Further, I ask you, “What would happen if you could bend and adapt to the changes?”

It might be worth considering the old adage that seeks to rear its ugly head: The grass may not be greener on the other side. If you allow your thinking to get above your feeling, then perhaps you could test yourself in bending before jumping ship. I’m often surprised and humbled when that switch goes off and there is no rebooting. In other words, we have reached the point of no return.

I’m not alone in the idea that you need to be unequivocally prepared for a job change. In fact, I field ongoing requests to prepare resumes simply in case there is a change. No doubt, it’s absolutely a prudent measure to take. But, if you’re handed a different card (increased role, new supervisor, unfamiliar technology, or an expanded team), could you possibly reshuffle your cards, so that you could play this new hand instead of folding?

I’m curious if any of your career decision making could have been altered if you had taken a chance and embraced the risk in accepting the new changes rather than walking away. No doubt, while I’m asking you to consider the various scenarios, I’m realizing that I have also folded under some of those same circumstances over the years. However, I am deeply reminded that underneath folding my cards and walking away, there were enormous lessons in doing so.