"More work, more money -- and a lot more pressure!"
Q. A bigger job and more money ...but also more work and
less leisure. How do I manage the balancing act? Or should I
retreat instead of advance for now?
A. Whether you're growing a business or accepting a
promotion, overwhelm goes with the territory. Clients often
wonder, "Should I turn down the opportunity? Or seek a
lower-level job with less stress?"
Often a lower level job (or cutting back business) brings
more frustration and pressure - not less. You're trying to
second-guess your boss (after all, you did her job last
year!). You may have less freedom and organizational power.
Boredom can breed stress. Instead:
1. Use money to buy time.
Often successful, high-earning professionals continue to
perform chores they could easily delegate.
When I ask clients, "How are you spending time?" they often
realize they're mowing lawns, painting garage doors,
cleaning houses, taking buses instead or cabs and updating
their own websites. They lose energy, leisure and momentum -
and feel increased time pressure.
Imagine that you live in a small apartment with just one
crowded closet. When you buy something new, you're forced
to toss something old to make room.
Time works the same way. As your job or business grows, your
calendar gets crowded. Time to toss the non-essentials - or
get help.
2. Use money to buy support.
As you move in a larger arena, you're on-stage more often.
You can't afford to share fears. Personal disclosures can be
misunderstood. A surprising number of professionals,
business owners and corporate executives find their own
sounding boards for confidential conversations.
For many years, "consultants" would be hired to fill this
function unofficially. Today professionals increasingly
acknowledge the support of coaches, mentors and consultants.
Support also comes from family, sports, friends, and
creative activities. But as time pressures increase, often
these resources are the first to be crossed off our
calendars. That's like tossing your parka out of a crowded
closet when you live in snow country: takes lots of room but
it could save your life in a blizzard.
3. Investigate limits and boundaries.
In a new job (or newly expanded business) you can find
yourself responding to all sorts of demands that seem to
come from nowhere. Over time, you discover what can be
safely ignored.
And you find ways to set limits. You may be able to say,
"No!" more often after you've been on board (or in business)
for awhile. You recognize permissible* trade-offs: "I can
attend this meeting - if I don't have to make the
out-of-town presentation."
Each situation has unique rules that aren't immediately
obvious. Before concluding "too much pressure," allow time
to learn the score.
4. Think "out" -- not "down" -- if you're ready to jump.
I've met many professionals who sought lower-tier jobs "to
get less pressure." Nearly all regretted these moves. "Low
pay and status" does not necessarily translate to "low
stress." In fact, often the opposite is true.
Instead, think of a major career shift. Take your time and
move on your own terms, which may mean months or years.
5. Track your marketability.
Every month (or more often) review your resume. Have you
added new skills? Met new challenges? Will these updates add
value in the job market, should you decide to move?
While the answer is "yes," you're probably on the right
track, even if you never intend to change jobs. If the
answer is "no," it's time to ask questions about the
relationship between work and reward.
Not sure? Your priority becomes, "Research the market to
make informed decisions."
And what if your responsibilities grow - but you're not
earning enough to buy time or support? What if you're
working harder while getting less marketable?
I never advise anyone to leap without a net. But maybe it's
time to start building a bridge to a new career.
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps midlife professionals create
small, medium and huge career changes, start a business or
start over.
Fr^e Report: Ten secrets of managing a major
life change. mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact cathy@cathygoodwin.com or call 505-534-4294
