Sometimes You Have To Go To Grow

All things come to an end. Sometimes, what you think is a good place to be in is not where you should be. In order to get to where you want to be you have to do things that push you out of your comfort zone. I have a few thoughts to share about professional growth.

When we have been doing something for a long time there’s a certain level of comfort that we gain. This can apply to daily routines, activities that we participate in, or foods that we like. Comfort in the pattern of life is not necessarily a bad thing. When it comes to your career, this could be detrimental.

Most people have a desire to do more when it comes to their careers. There’s a longing for promotion that one can have. If you have worked in a place for a while, there could be hesitancy to make a change. Sometimes change is necessary for your growth.

In education, there is a lot of competition for a small pool of positions. In some instances, the position that one may be seeking is not available in their district. School districts can be very particular about who they want to fill certain positions. There is often a hiring profile for openings.

During my career I have experienced success when stepping out of my comfort zone. I worked in one school district for fifteen years. During that time I developed relationships with people at every level. I tried for several years to advance my career, to no avail. I thought my connections, experience, and commitment to the district would help.

I finally started applying for districts and positions outside of my normal travels. While unnerving, it was also exciting. The possibility of a new start and new connections fueled me.

The courage to step out on faith has made a huge difference in my career. I truly believe that if I would have stayed in the same situation I would not be as far along in my career as I am currently. Then again, maybe I would. Who’s to say?

We often hear that a person is “not the right fit” for certain schools. This could absolutely be the case in some instances. You never know until you truly get to know a person . In the hiring process, district personnel go with their feelings and what they think they know about a person from an interview.

When it comes down to it, we all seek growth. If you feel that you are not growing where you are, seek other opportunities. You should not let your fear of change keep you from taking a chance. Sometimes, you truly have to go to grow.