Permission to want more than survival

Who am I to complain when so many people would kill for my job right now?

If that thought has been running through your head, this one's for you.

I work with two types of people: those who got laid off and want support finding their next role in this tough, hard-to-navigate job market, and those who still have a job that pays the bills but feel unhappy, burned out, or stressed, yet don't feel like they have permission to want more.

Today's topic is about the second group.

When it's an employer's market, when there are massive layoffs, and we read articles every day about people at all ages struggling to find jobs, it becomes normal to think you have to be grateful for what you have. Some people cannot make money right now, and you can. So you almost feel guilty looking for a new opportunity, or asking for more. Who am I to complain when so many people would kill for my job right now?

Yet that is not fair at all. You may be losing your health, your livelihood, your well-being at your job, and that always matters.

It's also a lot easier to explore new paths and new opportunities while you still have a job. It takes the financial pressure away. I have clients who aren't making any money right now, yet they're investing in themselves to get support and get results faster than they could on their own. Compared to them, you already have an advantage. You're not in a desperate place. You can take the time to explore all your options, and honestly, that's the wise thing to do. I always tell my clients to do a reflection and a life-audit at the end of every year: if things aren't going well, let's see what I can do.

What is your priority at this stage of life? More money, more flexibility, more alignment, purpose, growth, being creative? We are all different, and our needs change over time too.

So nobody else can answer these questions for you.

As I explain in my book More Than a Paycheck, there are four main paths, and you can reflect and see what fits you best now. The questions to ask yourself are already there. All you need is "me time" to sit with them.

The important thing is to give yourself permission to explore. You do not need to ask anyone's approval. You already have a job; you are already responsible. You have the right to ask what's next and see what that could look like for you.

I

f you've been feeling bad about asking for more, don't. I have clients who've stood exactly where you're standing. I was there too, making really good money, with a great job on paper. But the bottom line was, I wasn't happy. I wanted to make a positive impact, and I wasn't making it there. So I explored and I changed it. I am so happy I did. Feeling like yourself at work is a great place to be. You all deserve that. 

So if you are reading this, take it as your permission slip. If you're still hesitant, send me a message and let's talk. I'm here for everyone who respects themselves enough to at least explore. You owe yourself that much. And in the end, if you still decide to stay, you'll feel good knowing it was an intentional choice.

You are not stuck.

Kindly,

Brooke O. Erol