Impromptu Discussion: Job Satisfaction and Career Decisions

Jul 8, 2024

Impromptu Discussion: Job Satisfaction and Career Decisions

Introduction

  • Speaker is wearing a 'Hazy Nelson' t-shirt
  • Video is impromptu; sparked by a morning discussion with a colleague, Fei Wu
  • Topic: Is it better to get fired or to quit when the job isn't right?

Initial Advice on Job Dissatisfaction

  • Traditional advice: Stay in the job and perform well until you find a new one
  • Goal: Leave on your own terms, not under the stigma of being fired

Critique of Traditional Advice

  • Staying in the job takes a mental and physical toll
    • Mind and body are still engaged in the current job
    • Makes it harder to focus on the job search
  • People often don't commit enough time to finding a new job
  • End up living in comparison to the bad job

Personal Anecdote

  • Speaker followed the traditional advice at one point in life
  • Planned to stick it out and leave on own terms
  • Company had different plans and terminated speaker's employment
  • Outcome: Turned out to be beneficial
    • Forced commitment to finding what truly wanted
    • Career advanced faster after being fired

Conclusion

  • Being 'safe' has its benefits but also comes at a cost
  • Important to weigh the cost of staying in an unsatisfactory job