What Changing Jobs Teaches You — About You

You need to learn that qualities trump skills in bringing value

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Huddled around the desk in the small conference room, we discussed the importance of changing roles within work. I talked about how much you learn about yourself in starting a new job. My mentee asked me, but what if I don’t have the right skills?

This is a common concern identified when people are seeking out new roles. But there is a secret, one that it takes some perspective to see, and that is that changing roles is significant in teaching you one key thing.

What can I do to bring value, even when I don’t have the skills?

In over 20 years in the military, I have had to change jobs every three years. It taught me about what you learn through changing roles so regularly.

I’ll explain the importance of value conversations, and what it is that changing roles really teaches you.

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Why it is important to have conversations about value at work