Having gone through some mergers/consolidations/reorgs and seen what it’s like, I thought it would be useful to recap on lessons learned during what can be a very difficult time.  Should you stay…should you go?  Here are some things to think about during this weird time….

1. Your external demeanor: It’s important to be a good citizen….at least for now. You might not be happy with your new role, or who your new manager is.  But right now, just do your job. Be helpful and step up. Keep criticism and gossip to yourself.  Be a team player.
2. Your internal dialogue:
   1. Are you in the right place?  It’s easy to kick the can on the answer because you’re grateful you’ve got a job.  But at some point, it’s going to feel exhausting trying to fit in when you’re in the wrong place.  Do you know how you’ll be able to progress?  Can you see yourself happy there a year from now?  Have you been more happy than unhappy in the last 3 years?
   2. Are you doing what you love and what you’re good at? I’ve always felt this was the key to having a successful career because when you have both of these things, you’re almost always going to be ok.  I cringe when people advise graduates to “do what they love.”…but don’t talk about how you have to be great at it to be able to make a living.   So make a list…what are you good at?  Then, do you love it?  This is your crossover.  A quotation I love is “There’s nothing worse than being great at something you hate.”
   3. What companies and roles match your “crossover” criteria?  For instance, if you love problem solving and you’re really good at it, you want companies going through change and  a role that implements change.  If clients love you and you’re great at helping clients meet their financial needs, you might be well suited to being a relationship manager for high net worth clients. Create the search criteria based on what you love and what you’re good at….then look for the fit.
   4. Be patient about finding the right position. If you’ve made the decision that where you are isn’t where you want to stay, take the time to find your new role.  Don’t be in a rush, and don’t let your discontent drive you to something new.   Seek the role that meets your crossover criteria. You have a great advantage…you already have a job.
   5. Forecast your future: if you make the move, what do you want the future you to look like in 3 years? Promotion, money?  Now is the time to have those conversations before you take the new role. There are no guarantees, but at least you can make sure you’re not running into the same constraints you might have now.