Lessons Learned

9/30/24

September 30, 2024

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How do you get your confidence back when you’ve had a poor or toxic job experience that rattles you to the core?I've unfortunately found myself in a few jobs over my career that have been less than a good fit for all sorts of reasons. While at the time they were terrible situations, in hindsight, they can be a gift -- a gift of lessons learned to never be repeated again, if we're diligent and lucky. 

What to do if you're in a bad work situation?

First, do what you can to get out of that job. Distance yourself from the problem. I know this can be easier said than done, but if the situation is that bad you owe it to yourself and those you care about to get away, and begin moving toward a healthier situation.

Next, help yourself accept that the role just wasn’t the right fit. It does not mean you are not capable or shouldn’t be in such a role, more often than not it just means that what you value and how you work did not align with the values and how the organization worked at the time you were there. This unfortunately isn't always easy to spot until you're in the role. However, let's make it easier to spot so you don't end up repeating your last situation.

Distance from the problem will allow you to reflect. Reflect on specific things that really rattled you. Write them down to identify them. Document why these things bothered you. What was it about them that went against your values or your ability to be energized in your work.

This provides you a list of things you don’t want in your next job and why you feel that way. Understanding this and knowing what to look for will allow you to spot red flags more easily as you interview for future roles elsewhere.

Why do the above? Isn’t that just concentrating on the negative?

You’re right, but without understanding the bad how can you really know and appreciate the good? What is good without knowing it’s opposite to realize why it’s so good?

Now, document the good. Think back to a time in your career when you were really confident and you felt good about your work. Identify what about the work was good as well as how and why it was good — did it align with your values, energize you, etc.?

The idea is to get your feelings out and documented to be a bit more objective as you look at the negative and positive, and hopefully draw some useful conclusions for yourself about what to look for, and avoid, as you find the next fit role.

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My latest upcycled guiter build is finally here: The Godzilla Guitar!  Check out the photos below. It glows in the dark! It's available in my Etsy shop. 

The Godzilla Guitar

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Songwriters Round Town is a casual evening with songwriters sharing their original work and discussing the craft of songwriting. Each Songwriters Round Town event features curated songwriters. Audience members are welcomed to join in the songwriting discussion to ask questions and share their own insights as they enjoy the creations of the evening's featured artists.

Next event is on Thursday Oct. 17, 2024 from 7 to 9pm at Imaginary Tea in Waunakee, WI.

No cover charge—and no cover songs. Only originals by the folks who wrote and perform them.Join the Songwriters Round Town Facebook group to stay up to date.

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Stay positive. Stay healthy. Be kind.

Sincerely,

Nick VenturellaStrategic/Creative Professional