Reasons to Quit Your Job

A week or so ago, one of the LinkedIn articles that popped up as a suggested read was "Four Reasons to Quit Your Job" by By Jack and Suzy Welch. I thought sharing the article may cause people to second guess me. Instead I believe the article is a general primer to ask pertinent questions about jobs and career paths. Here are my responses to the questions: 

Do you want to go to work every morning? 

Yes indeed. I enjoy my work and though I have certain objectives for each day, I don't know what will happen that may make me rethink, question, plan and react. I also love having a great deal of freedom at work. 

I admitted this week and over the last couple of years to a few close colleagues and now I am admitting openly that I would have difficulty going to a traditional position in my organization. I have experienced the benefits and challenges of working remotely, across organizations, with different federal agencies, connecting and learning with many smart people online, and seeing vast and diverse perspectives. Going back to a localized position that would not respect the ability to reach beyond the geographic boundaries would feel confining.

Do you enjoy spending time with your coworkers or do they generally bug the living daylights out of you? 

Yes, indeed I enjoy my coworkers. We have fun! I have been fortunate to have worked and am working with groups of people I enjoy and respect. Don't get me wrong. We debate, disagree, occasionally get angry, and become frustrated. I enjoy and find getting to know my colleagues helpful in working with them. Though it is sometimes believed that one should not ask and seek personal information about our work counterparts, I find knowing and understanding pieces of their personal lives, what makes them tick, and what ticks them as all very helpful in my working with my colleagues. I don't seek to learn about colleagues for the purpose of judgment but as matter of understanding. It is all fascinating to me.

It may seem corny that some of my colleagues have become my close confidants and wonderful friends. My close working groups over the last two decades 1) have good intentions, 2) want to make a difference, 3) are respectful, 4) speak their minds, 5) value working toward goals, and 6) have perspectives that vary greatly.

I also believe that the conflicts and disagreements we have are actually good for the organization to grow and improve.

Does your company help you fulfill your personal mission? 

Yes. I believe in the greater good. I believe in the value of higher education and the mission of education and for the purpose of improving the quality of life. My public servant work and life that is deeply rooted in education and a zest to find application through research is a great fit for me.

Can you picture yourself at your company in a year?

Yes. of course. Though, I think the question should be: "Can you picture yourself in the same organization and feeling that the organization is improving and that you are happy?" To that question I would also say "yes".

There are many pressures to perform in our organization--to show value. We are quite possibly at a crossroads to convince others of our value, change direction, and/or narrow our focus. The pressures are just that--pressures. Our executive director continues to tell us to "take care of yourselves"--it is great advice. He has seen the passion and desire for us to do the right thing--not only for our national efforts but for the overall federated system. The job in no way is an easy job right now, but it is important, very important, and very misunderstood.

My current jobs are the types of challenges that energize me. 

I am blessed.