Moving Out Of Comfort Zone Is A Need

In the realm of professional life, there comes a time when individuals realize that unless they embark on a groundbreaking endeavor, their annual compensation will have little impact on their bank balance. It is during this phase that thoughts of changing organizations begin to emerge. When contemplating such a move, individuals often focus on finding opportunities in a similar industry or pursuing a larger profile with a comparable job nature, all in pursuit of better compensation.

Several factors may drive the decision to change organizations, including the desire for improved compensation, a stronger brand association, a more significant role, entry into a new industry, or the pursuit of a fresh profile. In the early stages of one's career, individuals may be willing to compromise on desired compensation if the priority lies in acquiring new skills through a different role or aligning with a reputable brand, as these experiences can potentially lead to substantial leaps in compensation.

However, regardless of the reasons behind the decision to change, once individuals start their new jobs, they may find themselves realizing that their previous position was, in fact, better. They might question whether the change was truly necessary, especially if they encounter an unfavorable organizational culture or if they struggle to let go of the familiarity of their previous workplace. During such moments, it becomes crucial to engage in self-reflection and constantly remind oneself of the original reasons for making the change, staying committed to the objectives set forth. Initially, the journey may feel like a roller coaster ride, but the length of this ride depends on personal adaptability—the faster one adjusts, the smoother the journey becomes.

No matter how employee-friendly an organization or boss may be, it is essential to prioritize one's own needs above all else. Sacrificing career growth due to emotional attachment should be avoided. If one decides to remain within the organization, they must ensure that the goals they sought to achieve through the transition are still attainable. Often, the friendships formed within an organization become a reason to stay, causing individuals to forget their original priorities. True friends will continue to remain in touch regardless of the geographical separation.

In my case, the triggering factor for change was my investment in a new home and the salary reduction I experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after my salary was restored to pre-pandemic levels, I found myself in a difficult financial situation. Although I made attempts to secure a new job during the pandemic, my efforts were unsuccessful. However, as the situation improved, I resumed my pursuit with even greater determination. It was at a time when I had mentally accepted my circumstances and was prepared to make a bold move that the opportunity I had been waiting for finally presented itself. During the negotiation process, I was ready to let go of this opportunity if it did not align with my expectations. Fortunately, everything fell into place.

Yet, even after securing the new position, skepticism arose. Would the organization honor our agreed-upon terms and pay me on time? Could they withstand the competition? How would the management treat me? As I had grown accustomed to a monthly struggle, I questioned whether a change was necessary at all. With approximately eight years of employment remaining, I knew I had to take a risk. If it succeeded, I would achieve my goals; if not, I would reassess my situation at that time. With this mindset, I made the decision to move forward.

On my last day at the previous office, my colleagues inquired about my feelings, given the farewell event organized in my honor. While it was a rare occasion for me to take center stage, I felt fine and enjoyed every moment. However, it was upon joining the new organization that I started to miss my former colleagues. With the exception of one, most of the people I encountered were new to me, and the process of getting to know them, understanding their personalities, establishing mutual acceptance, and learning how to effectively work with them began anew. Pressure mounted from day one to quickly perform in the field. Various thoughts and memories played through my mind, and I had to push myself to stay focused.

In these moments, I reminded myself of the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." To achieve the objectives behind my decision to change, I had to overcome any mental barriers and fully immerse myself in the sales role I was hired for. I kept myself busy by reaching out to clients one after another and initiating meetings, which ultimately helped me settle into my new environment.

Ultimately, I believe that this organization is yet another transition on my journey, and my ultimate destiny is still awaiting me.