A job takes work…
Job satisfaction and fulfillment seems to ebb and flow during employment. It starts with excitement and anxiety as you try to fit their mold and prove your worth. At some point a comfort zone is found and you settle in to a groove.
This is where you have a choice to either go with the flow or try to start leading improvements and change. Choosing the latter can have reward but also exposes you to criticism. A well managed organization empowers and protects employees so that they do not fear, and are free to innovate and improve. Sadly this is rare in commitment and rarer in action by most management. If you are lucky you are successful and build a reputation as a leader. If you are not then you rarely get another chance - your perception lives on.
This is where you encounter a crossroad. You can either maintain the status quo and have a long stable career or continue to push the boundaries and risk compounding your reputation and shortening your career.
There is a rare middle route too - to persevere and create a series of successes that eventually override any prior failures. It uncertain if this is worthwhile as oppose to starting over elsewhere but for the right employer, pay, or situation it’s a possible option.
Once you reach this crossroad and make your choice do not hesitate. If you stay then push hard for your next successful project as soon as possible. If you deem it time to depart then do it immediately…this is where a middle ground is not worthwhile. Half measures will surely lead to a fatal failure and loss of control of your own destiny.
Choose well your employer and your own approach to work at that company. Also try to define how you want to balance your work & home lives and hold tight to those ideals. Some short periods of flexibility is important but long term violations of your needs are not worthwhile.
Finally, remember that no matter how good the job, it is just a job. Don’t make your job your life but when doing your job you must own it to be a success. Ultimately few professions are so limited that you cannot find another employer and do not be fooled thinking they cannot replace you in a heartbeat if they so desire.
