Many of you visiting our website are highly motivated. Your careers are important. But, how do you advance your careers? How can you differentiate yourself from peers that are career motivated as well?

Take a chance!

Here’s a personal story from one of our colleagues, Jon Rosser

As many of you know, I started my career in corporate accounting. I was fortunate to land a great job with Johnson & Johnson after IU in their financial leadership development program. 

I completed the 2 year program. Stayed with JNJ/DePuy for another year in Warsaw, IN. But, something was missing. 

Long story short, I decided to take a chance on recruiting. I moved to Indianapolis and joined Robert Half. That was 13 years ago.  

Imagine my parents when they got my call 3 years after graduating from IU with accounting and finance degrees:

“Hey guys, I’m leaving my great job at the iconic Johnson & Johnson for a 100% commission job in recruiting.”

Say what?!

To transition from a good paying corporate salary job to a commission job, I picked up a 2nd job when I started at Robert Half.

I worked nights at a liquor store (irony?) until I got things ramped up in the new job.

Wore a suit during the day, drove straight to 2nd job after work, changed in the bathroom. Worked until close. 

Living the dream, right?

A lot of people say they are up for a challenge or willing to take a risk.

Truth?

Only a small portion of those are truly up for big challenges. Many are “up for a challenge” if it’s nice and tidy.

Only a small percentage of people are willing to take a big risk.

And that’s perfectly fine.

The point isn’t to degrade those that don’t take risks. It’s not for everyone. Risk tolerances are different. Personal situations come into play.

If you are willing to take some risk….

You can differentiate yourself and advance your career significantly.

“But I’m Not an Entrepreneur?”

True, starting your own business is one way to take a chance.

But, you can take a chance in the “corporate world”.

Examples:

• Lead a large ERP implementation
• Join a company emerging from bankruptcy, help with the resurgence
• In sales? Consider the struggling region nobody wants.
• Run a manufacturing facility that’s been struggling

The beautiful thing is these opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It doesn’t have to be get rich or go broke.

Think about this…

For most, your current or even next job is not your last.

When evaluating a challenging opportunity, don’t view it as a life sentence.

How will your resume look in 3 to 5 years if you knock it out of the park?

If it doesn’t go great, will you really be worse off? Or, will you easily be able to find your next job?

Evaluate opportunities before immediately ruling them out

What is the upside?

Is there actual, significant risk or does it just seem that way?

Remember This: Challenging Opportunities Are Often The Most Rewarding.

What challenging or risky opportunities have you pursued?

Have you taken a chance in your career?

We would love to hear your stories!