“You’re telling me you would rather work with clients focused on (redacted thing said) than come work with me doing super noble and awesome things and make probably double what you are making now?”
I’ve had three variations of the above said to me since the start of the new year.
“What can I say?” I usually respond. “I’m having fun and enjoying my life right now.”
And it’s because I’ve found the right amount of manageable stress.
After being courted and trying a few opportunities in 2021… I decided I am at a point in life where I just want to be able to have a profound impact while working hard, be recognized for it, grow in how I connect with people, and then log off each day not worried or stressed.
But it shocks people that I am willing to say “no thanks” to opportunities others would jump at because of the position or the pay.
One conversation was with a COO… Who wanted me in a full time role helping the company head towards an equity event. But after two months working with this company – and in particular, dealing with a senior executive who had more HR complaints lodged against them but was allowed to continue to drunk-Slack and text employees late into the night to pepper them with questions because they had major control issues – I was perfectly happy moving on to a new thing to explore.
“What if after this equity event that person is gone? Would you be willing to come back? You have the skills we need to lead these things.”
At the time I said, “Heck yeah! That person and a few others decide to take their money and move on? Call me up!”
But now my response would be a, “No thank you.” Even at double my current salary.
Some messes are not worth the energetic toll they take on you. And in the current labor market, you should be looking for more than money. Sure – money is important. And you should be paid fairly in comparison to others at the company for your contributions. But…
I myself am looking to enjoy the conversations I am having with my colleagues. I feel smarter around them – because I know I am not the smartest in the virtual room. I give people the space to learn and mess up a little… Because I know they will have the same empathy towards me. And people aren’t trying to one-up each other in ideas or peacocking to the most senior executives.
I spent six years dealing with mean girls and the loudest nonsensical voices in the room getting all of the attention.
Nobody should put up with that.
I encourage you to not to either.
Be some place where you are having fun in how you approach your work and engage with colleagues.
And then be able to shut your computer down at the close of the work day, and have a class of wine.
thepsychonautsjourney.com 