Blog

Think before you shuffle...

Posted by ablack on Mar. 3, 2015  /  Subscribe 0

These days, I see SOOOO many talented A/E/C marketers switching jobs. I call it “the shuffle.” We all “shuffle” for different reasons: some of us are chasing promotions or higher salaries; some are just looking for new roles and responsibilities; and others are just seeking out that mystical company that will value a marketer’s expertise in the “new normal.” But what so many of us have learned along the way is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. And because of this, so many of us quickly end up seeking out greener pastures and painfully repeating the “shuffle,” many times without examining the real reasons behind why.

I’ve never considered myself much of a shuffler. In my twenty-nine years on this earth, I can count the number of jobs I’ve had on one hand. Just the thought of searching for a new position is exhausting! You’ve got the sprucing up of the resume, the phone calls and lunch meetings, the interview process, not to mention the meeting of new people. I need a nap just reading the list! That’s why every time I have made a move, it has been very strategic. I was sure to examine every aspect of the move, starting with one simple question: WHY?

If you are considering a move, be sure to ask yourself whether or not you are leaving your current positions for theright reasons (and I say “right” because everyone’s will be different). For instance:

• WHY are you considering a new position? – Are you burned out from a heavy workload? Have you hit the glass ceiling in your organization? Are there clashing personalities in your office?   The story behind my most recent move was the humble realization that I had hit the glass ceiling. What I am is quirky, creative and committed to pushing the envelope when it comes to design, strategy and execution. I had wanted to expand my role and take on new responsibilities. Unfortunately, the firm that I had been with was not able to accommodate the ambitious monster that I was becoming.
• Are these things fixable? – If you’re burned out, might you ask for additional resources or outsource a few projects? If you’re seeking a promotion or more responsibilities, have you made it known to your manager(s) and have you demonstrated your abilities in that area? If there are not opportunities at your local office, is relocating an option? If there are clashing personalities, have you attempted to work things out with your in-office nemesis via an epic Hunger Games inspired battle in the parking lot?  

Think about it! Before you shuffle, take the time to evaluate what you really want for your position and what you reallywant from an employer. Because there’s no point in shuffling from place to place when you have absolutely no idea what it is that you are after. With a few real-world experiences under my belt, I now like to make a list of my top five “must haves.” This allows me to examine what’s most important. For example, before my last move, I asked myself what my perfect position would look like in a perfect world, and as a result I ended up writing down the following:

• Professional Role – My goal has always been that I want to be a Marketing Manager by the time I’m 30; Marketing Director by the time I’m 35. It is just that simple. And because I have a clear vision of my ideal role and when I want those goals to become reality, I have always known that I am not willing to make a lateral move or settle for anything less than what will get me closer to my defined benchmarks.
• Growth Opportunities – Growth is also extremely important to me, both personally and professionally. A firm that supports my thirst for knowledge, allows me to obtain my CPSM certification and participate in industry organizations, and is vested in me becoming a leader/mentor is the type of company that I want to be a part of.
• Flexibility – As a single mom, I am constantly planning in advance for work. Working late for me doesn’t necessarily mean that I stay late at the office; sometimes it means that I fire up my laptop immediately after my daughter goes to sleep and work well into the wee hours of the night at my house. And if I actually need to be in the office? I have an amazing support system filled people that love my daughter and are able to watch her when I cannot. An organization that accommodates for this type of work flexibility is non-negotiable.  
• Culture, Values and People – I only want to work for companies with an employee-centric culture who are willing to acknowledge jobs well done, and a leadership team who recognizes that everyone on the team plays an equally important role in contributing to the success of their firm. An organization that supports a healthy work/life balance is also essential.
• Salary and Benefits – Like Cuba Gooding Jr. said in Jerry Maguire, “Show me the Money!!!” I will be crunching the numbers, factoring in insurance, ESOP, 401k, gas and travel expenses, etc. And like Marlin Brando in The Godfather, the company had better “make me an offer I can’t refuse.” (No, not a horse’s head…a serious offer!)  

From then on out, when I was approached by potential employers or when I found out about an opportunity to work for another company, I would refer to my top five “must-haves.” If the employer or the opportunity didn’t meet my list of criteria, then I didn’t even consider applying.  

So let’s say that you’ve done the same: you’re equipped with your wish list of “must-haves”, you’ve made the decision to get your “shuffle” on, polished up your resume, and are now headed to the interview. Here’s a little food for thought:

• The Job - Even if it’s a great organization, you will be unhappy if you dislike the day-to-day.
  • What will your role be?
  • Who will you work with? Who will you report to?
  • Where is the job located? What will be the length of your commute?
  • What will the hours be? Will there be a lot of overtime?
  • Does the work match your interests and make good use of your skills?
  • Is there constant turn-over? If so, then turn-around and run in the opposite direction! Trust me; I speak from experience on this one.
• The Organization - Background information on an organization can help you decide whether it’s a good fit or whether you should pass.
  • Does the organization have a good reputation in the industry with clients and employees? This is huge, so ask around! If word on the street describes the owner as an evil micro-manager who throws daggers when they don’t get their way, then chances are that you aren’t going to be the one to stop him.  
  • Do you prefer working for a large organization or a small one?
  • Is the organization relatively new or one that is well established?
• Opportunities – A good job allows you to learn new skills and grow professionally.
  • Does the company allow you to participate in educational/training/networking opportunities via industry organizations (especially SMPS)? And will they compensate you for memberships, events, time on committees, etc.?
  • Do they have a tuition reimbursement program for continuing education?
  • Do they encourage you to learn about other aspects of the business?
• Salary and Benefits – “Show me the Money!”
  • Make sure you fully understand the benefits package. That includes a discussion on the ins and outs of their health insurance program, tuition reimbursement, professional development courses, vacation time, personal/sick days, performance reviews and raises, bonus plans, stock options, 401K options and vesting schedule, etc.
  • Afterward, consider whether or not the combined salary and benefits package of the potential position is comparable to your current package. If not, are you actually willing to take the cut?
• Culture – All companies can “talk the talk” when it comes to their culture and values. And most of them think that they are “walking the walk.” But it’s up to you to read between the lines.
  • What is the organization’s philosophy?
  • How does leadership show appreciation for their employees?
  • Where do they stand on work/life balance?
  • For all the questions above, ask them to provide a few concrete examples. Better yet, have them put you in touch with someone who can directly comment on how their stated values actually align with their day-to-day practices. Because we all know that phrases like a “healthy work/life balance” can sometimes be nothing more than hot air used by companies and recruiters to lure in much needed new recruits.

The ugly truth is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Many of us leave our positions thinking that the next job will somehow be far superior to the last. We shuffle, often times blinded by dollar signs, without evaluating what WE TRULY WANT. So before you take another turn, take some time to find out WHY you want to leave your current position and WHAT your ideal position/company would look like. Do your homework; ask questions. Once you have a clear and concise idea of what you’re truly looking for, it will be that much easier to spot an opportunity that best suits you.

About the Blogger:  After seven years of blood, sweat and tears, the stars have aligned and Kristan Partel is now a Marketing Manager for Sunland Asphalt. She manages strategic marketing initiatives for regional locations in Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, as well as National Accounts… and loves every minute of it. In her spare time, she can be found pirouetting around with her soon-to-be seven year old daughter, spending time with her friends and family, and neglecting yard work.

Return to list