Prep a script to ward off evil
aka ‘well-meaning’ coworkers
There’s been several times throughout this journey I had chosen to do something unexpected. Once was choosing to not actively pursue new postings and the other time was turning down a position and opting to ‘demote’ myself. Both of these times was incredibly difficult even to get to that decision myself and execute.
The worst part — my coworkers who all ‘mean well’ and won’t stop telling me about new things they think I should apply to or why I’m not doing what is expected from a person in my career trajectory.
I admit I’m rather introverted so I’m not usually in a mood to explain my inner workings to acquaintances. And frankly, the career uncertainty makes my resolve on the fragile side so to speak. I’m trying to get comfortable making choices that might go against my conditioning, so every random comment from someone has the potential to send me into a spiral of second guessing.
This is where the script comes in.
Write a few short sentences designed to stop conversation. You’re trying to subtly discourage your colleagues from continuing the conversation. Then just memorize this response +/- variations of and deploy as needed.
Here’s a few examples I use:
“What I’m doing currently suits where my life is at right now.”
“I’m not looking to change anything up right now.”
“Thanks for the heads up.” — this one is short and abrupt but works real well if it’s someone just telling you there’s some job posting up you need to apply into.
Let’s end off with a quote I keep coming back to.
“Sometimes the only voice your dreams need to hear, is your own.”
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-S
Image credit: Pixabay - user Patrik Houštecký