Getting A Do-over - I Should Have Quit Before I Got Fired

Getting a Do-Over - I Should Have Quit before I Got Fired

HAVE YOU EVER struggled to be successful in a job or with a company that just wasn’t right for you?

My girlfriend Sophie* is a very successful professional. She holds a doctorate, but she’s more than smart—Sophie is incredibly wise (there is a big difference, right?).

When she opens her mouth to speak and share her thoughts, every ear turns her way. In addition, Sophie has a calming effect on people; she’s as cool as a cucumber, and that confidence is comforting when you’re being led by her. So what’s her do-over? Sophie said, “I should have known. I should have quit before I got fired.”

Sophie explained to me that she had ended up in a job, just a few years ago, that wasn’t a good fit for her. Ignoring the numerous indications, both internal and external, that the position wasn’t a perfect fit, Sophie thought she could overcome the obstacles with hard work. The fact that she was talented and eager to please probably clouded her judgment a bit too.

Intrigued by her story, I asked Sophie what nuggets she could share with my girlfriends who might also be in a position or with a company that is not right for them. This is what she said:

Don’t allow the external voices telling you about who you are or should be to become louder than your own internal voice. If you do, you may quickly find yourself off track and lost.

Listen to the signals around you. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, if things just aren’t working for you (and they always have before)—pay attention. Sophie said she knew three months before she was invited to leave that it was time to go. She said she was simply too pigheaded to listen; she was sure if she worked hard enough, she could turn it around.

I believe in your commands;now teach me good judgment and knowledge. (Psalm 119:66)

Do you allow the voice and opinion of others to trump your own? How often we fail to give our own internal voice the same weight and respect we give to the words of others.

*Sophie is not her real name, but she is as cool as a cucumber.