Part 4: Unsolicited Advice From Someone’s Mother

Let your passion drive you.

As a mom who works outside of the home, I have a lot of information about the world of work floating around in my head.  Had I been privy to some of these details in my twenties, it might have helped me to make a more gracious exit from at least one place of employment.

Don’t quit your current job (until you have a new one)

For each job that you have in your lifetime, at some point you will decide to move on. However, it is not a good idea to quit a job before you get a new one.  What’s even worse is burning your bridges on the way out.  During your job search, continue to do an awesome job. Arrive at work on time; provide great work products; and appreciate the experiences that you’ve had.  If your dream job appears appears with a prior employer, you want to be in the running.  

Before you exit the threshold of your current employer, prepare a transition plan for your successor.  If by chance your replacement is internal, provide a three to five page synopsis that outlines major duties (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually), important contacts, and leads for future developments.  If by chance your replacement is internal (and with management’s approval), provide a short one-on-one training and answer any reasonable questions.  And again, don’t quit your current job until you have a new J-O-B.

Effort and Passion Are Not Mutually Exclusive

I often tell people that I have no true passion.  Of course that is only partially true.  My true passion is making sure that things at work go right.  But let’s be clear, passion alone won’t do the trick.  A significant amount of effort is required to make any plan come together.  Passion keeps you motivated and helps you focus on the end result.  However, between the initial motivation and the final outcome, there is a large gray area that must be mapped out.  

The map requires effort which may take many forms including doing research, networking, project planning, data analysis, marketing, and more.  So by all means, choose a hobby, a job, or partner that you are passionate about.   If it gets you excited, if you look forward to it, if you sometimes get lost in thought about it, you have passion.  Whether it is a person, place, thing, or concept, let your passion drive you.  Put forth the right amount of effort, and you’ll see great results.   

Your Job is to Find the Answer

My first “desk job” featured a difficult supervisor.  Rather than write about what made her difficult, I’m going to share what made her good at her job.  Her goal was to maintain order and everyone who worked for her had to follow suit.  On my very first day of work, she told me to arrive on time, dress for the office (ie., no shorty, shorts or tight clothes), and find the answer to people’s questions.  She told me that everyone that calls thinks that they need to speak to the director.  In all actuality, they wanted someone to solve their problem.  My job, was to do that.  

No part of this responsibility was spelled out on my job description.  She referred me to the bottom line which said “other duties as assigned.”  So remember, when you go to work and review your job description, think beyond the listed duties of a manager, nurse, IT specialist, teacher, mechanic, event coordinator…  Your “job” is really about helping others by solving problems, finding the answer, and preventing frustration.  

Remember, working with people is about establishing relationships.  Commitment, enthusiasm, and flexibility all make relationships possible.  Always make good decisions at work, home and play and strive to help others.