Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

The biggest mistake I see folks making in their job search is to move too quickly - they don’t ask the tough question, they skip doing the inner work around their value (and values), and they don’t negotiate their full worth due to zooming through the negotiation process. 

I get it. This is a tough market, and when you are ready to leave, it’s often all you can think about. You grasp on to the first life preserver that’s thrown at you, perhaps with a little pay bump or sexier title, and 2 weeks later, it’s Day 1 of the new gig. You can sigh in relief because the change you wanted so badly is here. 

This is where reality hits, though. Sometimes you do indeed get lucky and the role is all you could have hoped for, but not often as one would hope. That lack of discernment often carries a debt. About 3-6 months in, you may realize that you made a big mistake, and you’re back to square one, hustling both your network and the job boards. Except now, you have to explain why you’re leaving so quickly - and although ‘job hopping’ doesn’t carry the stigma that it used to, it’s still not ideal.

This is why I ask that clients slowwwwww it down. Start with the foundation. Get really clear on your values, your strengths, what you need to thrive, and what you bring to the table. Not only will it grow your confidence, but it will make you stand out while making it crystal clear what roles and organizations are a stellar fit, and which ones you should avoid like they’re your MAGA uncle at Thanksgiving dinner.

Slow it down. Be intentional. Take the time. Do the work. It’ll be faster (and more lucrative!) in the long run, I promise.