The whole idea and philosophy of the “perfect job” could be blinding you from the even bigger opportunity of personal growth and development. Job hopping is on the rise, and it doesn’t look like the trend will be stopping any time soon.We live in a day where people are always looking for the next best thing. Looking for the next best job, instead of focusing on how to make what we already have work for us. We live in a time where it is not uncommon for people to switch a job after only working in a place for a year or less. Here are the benefits that I have found with staying in a position longer.
1.) You learn the skill of conflict resolution. By remaining in a job even when you have a conflict with your boss or coworker, you are learning how to deal with difficult situations and people. You are learning the critical skill of managing your emotions and how to react in challenging situations.
2.) You can develop lasting relationships. You can get to know your coworkers on a more personal level which matters. By building a rapport and trust with your coworkers you can come together in critical situations. You can take more risks as a team because you trust that someone has your back. Leading to bigger growth and development both personally and professionally.
3.) You can see each other’s strengths. This allows each of you to lean into your gifts and contribute most effectively. Increasing team productivity and performance.
4.) You have a greater chance of self-improvement. By allowing coworkers and your boss the chance to get to know you over time, you are giving them the chance to see your weaknesses allowing for growth. The trust that you build over time, allows them the ability to point out your blind spots that may otherwise not have been addressed.
5.) You learn how to communicate with each other. We all have our unique quirks and traits and ways of communicating. By working side by side with individuals for a long time you learn to adapt and adjust.
6.) You learn and master the skill of perseverance. It’s much easier to quit during serious challenges but doing so does not help you develop the grit and fortitude necessary during tough times. By staying at an organization for longer, you witness failures and wins. You learn how to turn situations around and can see the result of your efforts.
7.) You harness and develop your leadership skills.Seniority in an organization gives you the opportunity to mentor new team members as they transition into their new role.
8.) You learn to stop searching outside yourself for contentment. By always looking for the next best thing you aren’t learning how to be happy without an external change. There are going to be times when you hate your job no matter where you work and there is going to be times when you want to quit, but if you do you are missing out on a big opportunity for personal growth. Learning to manage your emotions and finding the best in any given situation are two life skills that are needed beyond the walls of your given organization.
I know not everyone is going to stay in their current position for 10 years but what I would encourage you to do is to think about the lessons and skills that could be gained in staying in your current situations. How can you make the job you already have work for you? What lessons and skills are you being asked to learn before jumping ship? Doing so will not only make you a better employee but a more well-rounded individual.