When a great work life balance becomes an issue

Work life balance, as stated in previous posts, is continuing to grow as a priority for workers.  Location has replaced compensation for many as their number one consideration when changing jobs. 

Spending time with your family and enjoying life is important, BUT it is essential that you never enter the “coasting” zone in your position.  Even if you are performing some new tasks in your job, you may be kidding yourself that you are still continuing to learn and/or providing future value to your organization. If you catch yourself in that coasting space, get out of it immediately!

I am working for a client right now, and the position that I am working on is outside of the greater Toronto area where I am looking for a very specific skill set.  I am often speaking to qualified candidates, and although they may not be prepared for change, they will often refer me to one of their friends who may be looking for something new. Unfortunately, many of these sometimes very accomplished people, are not the right fit for my position.

So, what is a typical scenario of this person?

They are usually people who have been recently downsized. They were caught off guard as to their sudden departure.  Often it is a large multinational company where they felt safe, with a regional office or a manufacturing facility where they had the ability to perform their job, while also being able to enjoy the benefits of living in the country. They now find themselves scrambling for a pay check and they are exploring positions that may pay much less than what they were previously earning.

It is essential to continue building your skills. (even if it means taking courses that your company does not support) You need to do everything in your power to make it as difficult as possible for a company to see you as not being adaptable or not being functionally transferable.

I am still surprised at people who believe that there is such thing as a “job for life.”  People in rural areas can sometimes be caught off guard more than most.  Perhaps they think that the ethics and values are stronger outside of the big city, so companies are less likely to ruthlessly remove a pay cheque from one of their hard working employees. 

Don’t get caught with your head in the sand, the concept of jobs for life died when the auto industry in Detroit collapsed. Keep growing yourself, otherwise you are preparing to die. 

Farewell,

Mike