We have all seen the headlines about available jobs, but not enough people are applying for them in these COVID-challenged times. Why?
“Sarah,” a 10-year HR veteran in the IT staffing field, has a theory. As she told me, “When asked, ‘Why don’t you want to come back to work?’ so often we hear, ‘I just want to do something else, but right now, I don’t really know what, and I’m a bit afraid of doing much of anything outside of what I know.’”
Sarah admitted, “I also feel that way and just wish there was a by-the-numbers guidebook on steps I can take to start my own company. Dennis, have you got any suggestions?”
I do indeed and just finished reading a timely prescription for anyone who wants to make that jump from one career to another, or to becoming an entrepreneur. In fact, that is the title of best-selling author Kim Perell’s new book, Jump.
Laid off at her first job out of college at an internet startup that went bankrupt, Kim began a journey as an entrepreneur from her kitchen table with a $10,000 loan from her 80-year-old grandmother, and grew her digital marketing company to over $100 million in annual revenue.
I asked Kim, “When thinking of the people who want something better in their lives — to literally jump out of where they are now — but just don’t, what are the biggest mistakes they are making?”
1. They wait until they are ‘ready.’
The reality is, you will never be ready! You will never have 100% of the skills you believe are necessary to take that ideal job. If you have at least 70%-80% of the qualifications needed, STILL apply for it! Believe in yourself, trust in your ability and take the risk.
2. They wait for the perfect opportunity – the perfect time.
If you do that, you will be waiting forever. There is no perfect time. Right now there are a record number of job openings in the U.S. It’s likely that a number of those who could be applying for new opportunities are waiting for the right time, too.
3. They think, ‘I don’t have time to look for a different job or start a business.’
Really? There are 24 hours in a day. After accounting for sleep and work, there are still several free hours. Use the time to make this exploration a priority! Excuses …….