Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the blog article, “What Are You Waiting For”. In that post I asked what you are waiting to come to pass before you move forward in your career. I discussed my expertise in career acceleration and the elimination of the idea that we must stay in a position for a certain amount of time to ‘pay our dues’. I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of staying in a job much longer than I should have. I had multiple reasons why I was ‘staying until’ – and although I couldn’t see it at the time, it was all fear-based. That’s exactly why I don’t recommend it to you and instead encourage you to be objective and proactive!
It took me 6 years to obtain my undergraduate degree – working part-time, having a baby, transferring schools, and dropping classes. When graduation would seem really far away, I would remind myself that I could hang in there and hold on because I was a patient person and I had mastered delayed gratification. I began to say to myself more and more frequently that I had mastered delayed gratification. I realized earlier this summer that I let the concept of delayed gratification infiltrate my subconscious. I’ve been living in delayed gratification for 20 years and I don’t want that for you. I believe that words have power, and I am now a huge proponent of speaking life over your life. The word that I want you to add, reintroduce or emphasize in your vocabulary is NOW.
You don’t think you’re ready to start your job search or apply for that promotion into senior leadership? Have you looked at your career track record or are you adhering to some made-up timeline?
- I’m willing to bet that you are bored with your current position.
- I’m willing to bet that you are already doing parts of the next-level job.
- I’m willing to bet that you meet over 75% of the qualifications in the job that you are hesitating to apply for.
You are ready NOW! I need you to tell yourself that you are ready NOW and to believe it. Believe it because in addition to your education and training, your readiness is evident in your work habits, your professional reputation, and your successfully completed projects and assignments. You are a high-performing social work leader.
One thing that I admire about Generation Z is that they have expectations of instant gratification. We can borrow from their clarity and confidence. Update your resume and apply – your time is NOW!
If you want support and accountability as you move along the path to uplevel your position, let’s chat.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, CEO, is a Career and Empowerment Strategist who helps high-performing women of color in management go from overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated to energized, well paid, and appreciated. Through Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, she also helps businesses recruit, hire, train, and retain great employees. Nicki has an extensive background in developing and managing successful programs and leading high-functioning multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life she loves. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
© 2021 Copyright Protected. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.