A word here about optimal employment. Greater compensation is one potential benefit from reinvesting your employable assets wisely, but know that money is not the only consideration in a career change. Celebrities also utilize career management professionals to locate opportunities showcasing their unique talents that may not always involve more money. Similarly, you may direct your employment portfolio in ways that net you a higher return in whatever "returns" you want most. This could mean making more money, but it could also mean a shorter commute to the office. Your best return could come in the form of a more challenging work environment, or even an entirely new line of work. Interesting studies over the last decade have shown that "quality of life" is the highest priority in making a job choice, not money. So, whatever floats your boat in terms of desired return from assets, you can seek out that particular return for your optimal employment.
The point is: how do you best seek it? Sitting on your ass(ets) at one particular job until the day they wake up your ass(ets) by letting you go doesn't get it done. Listening to other opportunities for your talents only when you are, if not physically, mentally unemployed because there's simply no juice in your current job-also a poor method. Effectively pursuing the most goodies for your gifts means taking a proactive posture, as would any businessperson running a business, any "star" running a career.
I always tell candidates "You are never going to take a job unless it's right for you, but it never hurts to look." And it never hurts to hear. Yet there are responsibilities that come along with remaining thus open. You'll have to sacrifice the blissful ignorance of being uninformed of sweeter deals elsewhere. You'll have to make decisions about your for the brand called You." career. At times, you'll have to endure the discomfort of telling those around you that you are leaving to play in a better sandbox. But, the benefits of being so responsible far outweigh these standard, if unattractive, duties of running a business.
This is a wake-up call, meant to jostle you before you experience a rude awakening. Until you take entrepreneurial command of your own value, your career will never give you all it could. Let's be clear: overly opportunistic jobhopping is not the approach being advocated. Recruiters, like companies, are not attracted to rubber resumes, which show more bouncing than Tigger on my son's Winnie the Pooh videos. No-constant movement for the sake of only a little more here or there is not smart. Sometimes in the long run, enduring the rough spots and staying satisfied is the best way to go. But calculated movement, based on a long-range career plan, coupled with ongoing opportunity awareness -this is a winning strategy.
Be informed about relevant options as they arise, based on your overall career objectives. You might be at the job you just started for 10 years, but if another position surfaces that totally fits your wish-list, your "dream job," you should at least know about it! Yet, even if you agree that it never hurts to stay open to having your wish-list granted, a thousand recruiters out there calling you takes you away from your job and what you do best. So just pick a few. In the same way your favorite sports figure or actor has trusted, well- informed agents and managers directing the way to their next gig, long-term recruiters can guide you. Definitely have a few because one headhunter can't ethically place you into and recruit you out of the same company-but he can sure help you the next time around! Career Management or, as I like to say, Career Partnership, isn't a privilege for only the rich and famous. It can be a privilege for you. And, best of all, it costs you nothing!
"What? How does that work? I get someone seeking to have my highest career dreams realized at no cost?"
That's right. Remember: the fee paid to recruiters is not deducted from your paycheck. It is simply based on your pay. Your deal is even better than that of the "stars," who dole out 10-15% of their take to agents and managers. In order to "partner" with a headhunter for your long-term best interest, there are actions you must take to create and maintain that relationship. From romantic relationships to delicate pieces of machinery, regular maintenance keeps things running smoothly. Whether it's taking your significant other on a date once a week or changing the oil in your car, these procedures help ensure that everything keeps working to your satisfaction. Similarly, following certain guidelines will enable your chosen career partners to best support your lifetime career goals. Read on!
