Clarify What Matters Most Before Your Next Job

When you’ve made the tough decision to leave your job, what lessons about yourself and what matters to you will you take with you to ensure success at your next situation?

It’s a truism that our greatest challenges teach us about ourselves and what we care most about. If you’re like me, you’ve probably learned this more than once.

Many years ago, after working in journalism for 15 years, I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in both arms. I was forced to conclude that I could no longer do that kind of work because of its relentless focus on deadlines. After a difficult year, I enrolled in graduate school with the goal of working in nonprofits at a more reasonable pace. After I got my degree, I landed a job I was excited about. When I started I requested ergonomic equipment so I could work without further injury, as I was still healing. My supervisor--who regularly came in early and was the last to leave--expressed skepticism about my need for accommodation. I believe she suspected I was malingering because my disability was invisible and not well understood back then. But she complied when she saw my doctor’s order.

Occasionally she made inappropriate comments that today would be considered harassment, such as, “What’s next? An ergonomic toilet?”. I performed my duties so well my supervisor remarked that she hadn’t expected me to be so productive. Then she added a lot more to my plate. When my symptoms returned and my doctor ordered less computer time, we agreed I would take Wednesdays off to rest. I was relieved. Instead of resting, though, I used that day to find another job and leave that toxic workplace.

I reflected about what was important to me--what values would need to be present in my next job. I knew I needed a lot of flexibility and autonomy in how I worked, I needed a compassionate supervisor I respected and who respected me. And I realized that reporting to a workaholic who didn’t trust me would never suit.

Changing jobs is a great time to ask yourself: “What’s my work vision and what values are reflected in this vision? What kind of job, boss and workplace would enable me to live into those values?”

Before tapping your network for leads or perusing job listings, take time to reflect on what matters most. Even if you need to move quickly for financial reasons, you'll be glad you took the time to gain such clarity so you don't have to leave your next job because of a mismatch in values.