You Can’t Start Over!

Credit: Tiffany Fox

A few weeks ago I found myself speaking with a print rep in the Midwest. She’s between jobs, thinking of relocating and shopping for a new employer. She’s full of anxiety and overthinking every detail. Each passing day makes her more nervous.

If she could have anything she wanted she would move. She’s always wanted to live a few states away. Her hesitation is leaving the market she understands. She has contacts and knows the local space.

She said, “I’m afraid to move and start over.” My response, “You can never start over. You can only start again.”

Let me confess that these words aren’t mine. A wannabe employer said them to me years ago. I was hiding in a position beneath my experience. It was safe. I could do it blindfolded and it paid well enough. I was being lazy.

The guy asking to hire me had a larger assignment in mind. I was flattered but nervous. I made a similar statement about starting over. He addressed me the same way I did the lady I mentioned above.

He went on to say, “you’re not the same guy you were when you started. You have years of experience. You know how to navigate a printing plant. You know what the sales process looks like. You don’t have any business but you know how to get it. I’m buying your future, not your right now!”

I made the move and it was a good one. I enjoyed a quick start and he was right. My experience shortened every timeline. We doubled the size of his substantial business in five years. He sold it to a consolidator and my education hit hyperspace. It was one of the best moves of my life.

Here’s the thing. You’re learning every day. You’re building your reputation, contacts and portfolio. These accomplishments change who you are. If you’re smart, they make your next runway shorter than the first. The person you were in the beginning is gone.

You can never start over. You can only start again. Starting again isn’t as scary. There will be fewer surprises. Your experience will shorten the runway and speed up the process.

If you find yourself in this spot don’t be scared. Just lay out where you are with your prospective employer. Share your excitement, confidence and vision.

Believe in yourself! Pilot your career where you want to go. You aren’t stuck until you stop.