04 Oct Take That First Step!
I was talking to Rajesh who is one of my project management students. He sounded low. We chatted about many things including the current business situation in the world. He talked about how the pandemic has caused many businesses to shut down. Many of them are barely able to make the ends meet. I could make out that he was not so happy with the work. I waited patiently. “There is a rumour that this year there will be no growth,” he said. “I give my 100% when I work. My project results are good. The customers are happy with me. But what is the use? I will not get any groth. The situation is difficult for me too. With increasing expenses, I’m also pressed hard. I badly need good growth this year!” , he went on.
“Rajesh, did you talk to your boss? Did he confirm that you are not getting a promotion?” I asked him. “Umm.. I did not ask… It always has been the same. Only those who are in manager’s good books get good promotions without really working hard”, he continued ranting.
“I have been working in this organization for more than 8 years now and for the last three to four years, I have lost all enjoyment in the work. High time I look for another job” Rajesh added. I nodded in agreement and suggested “Especially if you do not enjoy working, you should look for change. What made you wait for two years?” Rajesh gave it a thought and answered, “I’m waiting for the right opportunity. I do not see any.”
I talk to many project managers every day. Just like Rajesh, they keenly want to change their job and are waiting for the right opportunity. But, when I ask them what steps did they take, I always get a response which goes something like, “What can we do? The time does not look right. We do not see any opportunities around.” On such a response, I find myself nonplussed.
The opportunities won’t come looking for you. You need to take that first step! However small it might be, but you need to take that first step.
It could be registering on job portals, finding out what are the current trends, sharpening your saw to meet the current skill demands. You can start using your network to spread a word about you. At the least, you can update your LinkedIn profile (Or any job related site)! There are so many things you can do. Unless you begin walking, you will never arrive at your destination.
If you wait for something to happen so that people would realize the importance of your work and you would get an opportunity you have been dreaming about, remember, that only happens in movies. Talk to your friends and colleagues. Be resourceful. Decide what you want to do. Today is an opportunity. Grab it by both hands and use it to take a positive step towards your goal. It is all it takes! Just a step or two each time. Unless you take initiative, nobody would be bothered about you.
It is not only about changing your profile or changing your job. You want to achieve many things and you have those capabilities. You spend a lot of time planning how and when to do it and postpone it every time. You want to learn something new? Why sit there and plan and take no action? The time is NOW. Whatever you learn will never be a waste. Take action now.
Making plans and postponing plans is cheating yourself. Start the action. Don’t wait! Start NOW. Get up and take that first step.
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