Watching my husband leave by boat, before dawn, this fairly warm, but rainy morning, to do the crossing from Bimini back to Florida, I held onto our morning prayers together asking for a safe crossing. Thankfully, he suggested I go by seaplane with our friend who joined us. The Bimini Crossing Facebook channel was a mixed commentary of “don’t cross as dangerous conditions” to those that said they made the crossing fine and were posting their bravery.  Five days earlier on our arrival we battled six-foot rollers and though I was not afraid, it was a dry day, and I was still full of a chill and a bit shaken as the fifty nautical miles seemed like five hundred.  My husband, the captain, was mentally and physically drained from manning the helm and me on board did give him one more thing to worry about.

When it comes to making a career decision whether to stay or go, like with an ocean crossing, timing, conditions and who it affects can make all the difference with the ride and the long-term outcome of your decision.

 

Three key factors to consider for the best transition:

 

Why are you making a move?

I always say that if you are leaving a company to achieve something you could accomplish where you are, it is a conversation, not a resignation. This includes salary and too often, employees make a move without first discussing their needs, desires, or formulating a plan to align expectations for reaching their goals.  The ability to understand risk and reward and take time to communicate and navigate always sets you up for a higher success rate right where you are or when a move makes the most sense. Just as the tide rolls in and out, sometimes the right decision requires a bit of ebb and flow.

Is it the right timing?

Timing is crucial. Just like when my husband left before the light of day to transition smoothly, the right timing can make a significant difference, not only for you, but also for your family, the company, and the project you are involved in. If possible, aim to make your move in between projects if field based and when appropriate resources have you covered if you are support based, so it not only demonstrates you are a dedicated employee, you understand that it is not just about you, but the others that believed in you and work beside you who you are helping with their success.

Is it the right fit?

Moving to a new opportunity is exciting, but it is essential to ensure that the role and company align with your values, growth aspirations, and long-term goals. Taking the time to assess the cultural and professional fit can help ensure that your next step is truly the right one. Collaborating with a company such as FLCC that is dedicated to helping you through a proven process can help eliminate risk to your career and family.

In any relationship, including employment, it is essential to understand your options and the expectations surrounding them. Just like when I crossed by boat, knowing there was an option to fly back home instead of enduring another rough ride if the seas did not calm, you too could navigate your career with clarity. By working with a professional, you can explore your options, communicate your needs effectively, and make informed decisions that align with your goals. At Florida Construction Connection, we are here to help you understand your career path and guide you toward the right opportunities, whether you are staying where you are or making a move at the right time. Let us assist you in making the next step a confident and informed one.

The ocean teaches us that even in the roughest waters, there is always a path to calmer seas, just like the right decision at the right time will lead to peace. Do not be afraid to chart your own course, but always remember the wisdom of the sea when making important decisions. You do not want to leave fair wind for paradise, only to find out it is a mirage. Asking the right questions and verifying the facts rather than justifying assumptions, will make all the difference. After over 25 years of career matchmaking, I can tell you that employers who back things up in writing and visuals are the ones worth working with. You cannot truly gauge a job site from a conference room interview.

To make the right decision, sometimes you need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, like the vastness of the ocean. What are the unknowns, and how can you prepare for them? With the right guidance, you will be able to chart your course confidently and reach the career goals that truly align with your values.

 

Navigating Your Best Choice in the New Year,

Suzanne Breistol