Say NO to what you Don’t Want
I’m not sure where I heard this saying but, truer words were never spoken.
“In order to get what you want from life, you must say No to what you don’t want.”
The Opportunity
On the very first work day of this year, I was presented with an exciting new job opportunity. It was a great company in my field, that is growing 30% per year, with a raise and upward mobility. This job was blocks from my current company and I was fully qualified. I would have been working for my old boss, who is a great manager and an awesome person. I even had the inside track, since he had set me up with an interview with HR.
My Dilemma
It was a very difficult decision, especially since my current position was tenuous at best. I waffled back and forth, wondering if I was making a huge mistake. Would I be turning down a high-paying job and wind up unemployed or would the dream job finally materialize at my current company and I would be jumping ship too soon?
There were some assurances, but no guarantees either way.
The new job came with a lot of responsibility and it would require a huge commitment. I’ve worked at jobs like this for decades, so I know exactly what they are like. There was no clocking out at five and forgetting about work. There would be late nights and long hours, critical problems and frantic support calls, coming in from around the globe. I would be back on call 7×24 and commuting again, after I had gotten used to working 8 to 5 from my comfy home office for the past year.
The Master Plan
My time was up and I had to make a decision, so I summoned up all my courage to say No, in the most polite and professional way possible. Almost immediately, a huge sense or relief came over me and I knew I had made the right decision. Five years ago, I would have jumped at this chance to move up the ladder and take on a new challenge. Now, I weigh my time and health carefully against the value of a raise and a title. It’s not that I have become tired, lazy or jaded about corporate life. I have chosen a career path for myself and I’m dedicated to it. I have a plan for my career, just as I have a plan for my life, health and finances. Each of these goals are part of my Master Plan.
How did it all work out?
Stay tuned, because big things are happening in my career and I don’t want to write about it until it happens.
The Bottom Line
If you don’t choose a path in life, one will likely be chosen for you by others. If you have chosen a path, you must resist the people and circumstances that try to change your direction. Otherwise, you will fulfil their wants, needs and goals, at the expense of your own.
“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.” ― Anna Taylor
