How Displacement Can Be Good for Your Career

Have you heard that cliché about how sometimes we can’t accept change until the pain of changing is less than the pain of remaining the same?

 

There is a reason why this is a cliché … I was reminded of its truth recently when I caught up with a former colleague I hadn’t worked with for several years.

 

Since our last collaboration, he had changed companies and his excitement for this new role was evident – you could actually hear it in his voice.

 

He made a terrific work partner on the previous project. I appreciated his work ethic and competency. But, I could sense that his contributions were going unnoticed, and that his consistent striving was turning into near-workaholism.

 

But there was still something missing. I knew personally – and appreciated – his competence and work ethic. I didn’t sense he was getting such appreciation in his new role. His contributions seemed to be going unnoticed and, reading between the lines, it seemed like he was constantly reaching and turning into a workaholic.

 

Then it happened – he was released from the position.

 

It didn’t take much time for him to acquire another position – same role, similar type of company. But there was something different – his perspective had changed – significantly. The spark is back in his eye. He’s engaged. Passionate. Driven. More productive than ever. He’s being recognized for his successes.

 

Ultimately, he admitted to me that his previous role wasn’t a good fit. So why didn’t he do something about it? He was reluctant to change. He didn’t want to be perceived as a “failure.” And there never seemed to be enough any time to devote to going after something different. So he held on to the position, until Fate intervened.

 

We’ve all been there, done that. I’ve clung to something that was not working on more than one occasion, which I blogged about recently.

 

If we don’t take control and initiate change, sometimes circumstances force that change upon us. At first, it can be alarming. No one wants to be fired. And most of us are stubborn enough to believe we can turn things around, no matter how dismal. But in the end that “displacement” might be the healthiest thing for you.

 

Remember: It may seem painful at first to make a change (or have one made for you).

 

But how painful is it to stay in a position where all your motivation has been sucked from you, and you’re not really happy or involved?

 

See these painful moments as opportunities … not as setbacks.