For those of you who didn’t know, or haven’t already heard it through the grapevine, I have – ONCE AGAIN – changed jobs. I wasn’t really looking to leave my position with the county and I do miss some of my colleagues there, but an opportunity came my way to get back into state government/higher education and I eagerly took it. Not to mention, that I have gotten a second chance to work under someone that I think is brilliant. I know I will learn a lot from her. In fact, everything about the opportunity is right.
Nevertheless, that’s not why I’m here. I don’t want to write about the old job or the new job or the work that I do. Instead, I want to discuss career choices, paths taken, and how one can easily be misunderstood. In the case of me changing jobs, I realized that my reputation outside of my working circle might be that of a “JOB HOPPER”!
You see, I was recently at a marching band function when one of Jon’s band parents learned of my pending move to the new position. That's when she asked….“Good Lord, Cindy, isn’t this like five jobs in five years? Can’t you stay put in one place?” and I replied “Actually, it’s five jobs in three and half years and I call it upward mobility”….But there it was….at that very moment was when I realized I had been labeled....I AM A “JOB HOPPER”. Funny......actually putting this down in writing makes me laugh out loud because I do not think of myself in this way at all. Yes…. I’ve had several different jobs in my career. However, I have stayed on the same career path and never given up on it. Each move has been upward. Each move has been educational. And most of all, I've never - ever - taken a job with the intention of leaving it in a short amount of time.
Now I’m sure some people wonder….Is it because I am an opportunist? Do I thrive on change? Why do I keep moving around? Taking new jobs? I won’t answer those questions because….in truth….I don’t care what other folks wonder. The only thing I really know is that I am not afraid to make a move that I feel is for the positive in my life. To me, this characteristic is an asset. In fact, I don’t understand the person who has worked in the same job for twenty years…in the same position….doing the same work forever. I personally think “job hopping” is a good thing to do - for anyone - in their careers. It shouldn't just be for the fresh faced twenty-something’s who are just starting to figure out what path they want to take. For one thing, changing jobs is a way to maintain the passion (yes….I said passion) in your work. Seriously….changes keep your learning curve at a high level and more importantly present challenges to your abilities and skills. A good example of continued growth for me….right now, I come home exhausted every night because I’m learning a new accounting system….a new funding processes….a new chart of accounts…a new budget. Yes…I may be tired, but it’s also exhilarating because my brain is constantly thinking and being used to learn new things….therefore work is not just a process of the same old, same old. Learning new skills and utilizing strengths result in high performances….which equal successes. Which is a good thing....
Another factor I find appealing about taking chances in a new position is that it allows you to meet new people. I can honestly say that from each job I’ve been in throughout my career, I’ve built and maintained a professional network that is strong. I still stay in touch with many of my former colleagues. In fact, it’s because of this network that I’ve encountered most of the new opportunities and been given the prospect to prove myself in new positions….each time growing tremendously. You see, these people know my work, my work ethic, and most of all....know that I am loyal to my job. The other bright side of meeting so many new people is that I have gained many personal relationships along the way. At each new job, there have been co-workers that have truly become my friends. People that I know will touch my life forever.
I find it interesting that when people learn that I’ve taken a new job, they want some sort of crazy explanation of why. Instead of hearing about my accomplishments and my desire to move forward….that I love change and new challenges….they want to hear why I failed or who I didn’t get along with or that I have no attention span (and those who know me, know this simply isn’t true). You see….this is not how I feel at all….despite the experiences at each place of employment, despite what prompted me to leave….I’ve never been afraid to make the change. And although I do feel guilty about leaving people, I never feel guilty about leaving the job itself. I know that I have - most likely - left a job in better shape than it was when I started. Recently, I read somewhere that “Loyalty to your job is about the delivery”. Meaning that no matter how long you’re in a place, what matters most is what you do while you’re there. Making a contribution to a job while you’re there is what’s important. I’ve said many times that we spend the majority of our time at work……you need to be happy, enjoy it, and “be there”. Your resume should not be a listing of "duties" you’ve had along the way, instead it should be a story of contributions you’ve made to your employers through your performances and accomplishments.
Not once have I ever felt that changing jobs has held me back….if anything I have become a better employee because of it. I’ve learned to meet new people, encountered new technological systems, taken on responsibilities that are out of the norm, and been there completely. I know there will always be the people who will never understand my career choices or the path that I've taken….they will always think I’m just a little flakey for moving around….However, I must say….I’m proud to be labeled a “JOB HOPPER”.
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