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Dear J.T. & DALE: Should I stay or should I go? Should I drop my pay dramatically to just get out? Currently, I am a senior executive. I have a capable staff, although they’re resistant to change. I don’t blame them, because it is a highly political environment. This has caused me to doubt the insight and ethics of upper management. I would like to move to be closer to the place I love, where my elderly parents live. On the other hand, I am well paid here, and have undertaken big projects that are good for my r茅sum茅. Thoughts? – Paul

J.T.: I’m a firm believer that we should always consider location as a major factor in our career decisions. In my experience, it is difficult to be satisfied with your career if it has you in a place that cannot satisfy your heart and soul.

DALE: Further, if you have lost respect for your employers, assume that they sense it. No matter how good an actor you might be, real feelings show through.

J.T.: Good point. You do NOT want to be fired or laid off – that will only make getting a new job in the right city much more difficult.

DALE: So, begin work on relocating. However, while you work on that, also work on your political skills. Saying an organization is “highly political” is like saying that employees “have desks.” Successful employees, at any level, need to be political, which just means that you understand the personal ambitions and motivations of colleagues. Your goal is that everyone you work with sees you as an ally – everyone.

J.T.: A worthy goal, even when it’s impossible. Meanwhile, begin researching the job market where you want to move, creating a list of employers you might want to market yourself to. This alone could take a year, so you can finish up your major projects as you begin to meet with prospective employers. Start now, and next year you’ll have a great job in a great location.

Dear J.T. & Dale: For five years I have been a lawyer with a large law firm. I know I will not be made a partner (nor do I want to be), and I think it is the right time to make a move. I am very good at what I do, but I do not enjoy my job. I feel trapped and tense. What do you
recommend? – Louise

J.T.: I would encourage you to make a career change sooner rather than later. Your law training provides plenty of options. I would start by working with a career coach, who can help you do career-interest inventories to determine where your natural interests lie.

DALE: Assessment tests can help get you thinking about alternative careers. However, don’t be surprised if you learn that being a lawyer is among the professions recommended to you – after all, you are good at your work. My point is that you need more than test results. You need to spend time with people working in the jobs you’re considering, but even that’s not enough. Once you’ve identified a new career goal, consider a double or triple move instead of just starting over. For example, years ago I met a lawyer who realized, mid-career, that he hated the law and was in it only because of his father. His new dream was to run a magazine. He didn’t go back to school; he didn’t just jump in and commit all his savings to a new venture. He took a job as a sales rep for a major magazine so he could make a decent living while he learned the business. Eventually, he started his own publication, then another and another.

J.T.: Let me add this: When you
finally find a direction that excites you, all your fears will drop away and you’ll find the motivation to take chances. The sooner you can begin your research, the sooner you’ll discover the energy that will accelerate your efforts. You’ll go from feeling tense and trapped to feeling excited and liberated.

Workplace consultant and career coach J.T. O’Donnell has coached, trained and mentored employees and managers on a wide variety of career-related subjects since 1994. Her book, “CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to A Satisfying Career” is available at JTODonnell.com.
Management guru Dale Dauten has written six books and is an authority on innovation in the workplace. His latest book, “Great Employees Only: How Gifted Bossess Hire & Dehire Their Way to Success” is available at Dauten.com. copyright 2013 King Features.