Push or Pull

When you’re looking for a new role, you’re either running from something or being drawn to something. Let me explain.

One’s more about wanting to leave a job that’s causing you pain. The Push.

• It can be a toxic work environment;

• an unsupportive boss;

• the boredom of the work;

• or just a feeling that you’re stuck in an endless spin cycle that’s going nowhere.

  
  

The other’s about moving towards a new job that can be difficult to define. The Pull.

• It might start with a conversation with a friend who’s loving their new role;

• something uplifting you saw on LinkedIn about someone you used to work with;

• an opportunity that crosses your path that you weren’t expecting;

• or just a feeling that the world is moving forward without you.

Push or Pull

This crossroads can be tricky, particularly if you’re not feeling the Push or Pull very strongly. It’s generally a feeling of being unsettled. Sometimes it’s quiet. A whisper. But it’s critical it’s not overlooked.

I know of very few cases where once the niggling feeling of Push or Pull starts, it subsides without action.

The feelings that come up can be confronting and uncomfortable. You can bury those feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, curiosity and hope, but pushing them down can show up as something else.

A feeling of:

• Irresponsibility – I have a family to support, so it's best not to do anything rash.

• Insecurity - who am I kidding? Going for a new role could flag my lack of skills.

• Delusion – it’s really not that bad (most of the time), it’ll pass.

In both cases, the Push or Pull signifies the need for change. And it’s never been easier to explore your options than today.