Are you willing to consider new opportunities?

There’s a favourite saying Richard Branson has regarding opportunity: “Say yes!” he says, “And then figure out the ‘how’ along the way.” Now to some people that may seem irresponsible, agreeing to something you’re not quite sure how to do, or even sure that you can do or are ready to do.

These types of people often prefer to have all their ducks in a row, and having everything in place before stepping up to say yes. The problem is that often by the time you’re ready, the opportunity will often have passed by. What then? Do you sit and wait, hoping another will come along? Will you sit and wonder; what if?

Missing out or messing up?

There is a mindset that often holds people back from taking up opportunities. They feel that they may be letting their current employer down if they choose to move on. In this modern era, while they may be sad, there are few employers that won’t recognise the need for career progression and understand if better opportunities arise compared to what they can offer. So in reality it usually isn’t the reason for saying no to an opportunity, rather it’s an excuse.

Often the real reason is fearing change. Life is more comfortable where you know the routine and the people you work with. There’s the idea of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” But it doesn’t mean that change won’t happen anyway, and it doesn’t mean you should never consider new opportunities. It also doesn’t mean that the only time to consider change is when there’s a problem or you’ve made a mistake. Moving on doesn’t mean you have to burn the bridges behind you, in fact moving on can help you build even better relationships within the industry, especially if you leave on good terms. Another reason vets often turn down opportunities is that they don’t feel they’re good enough for what’s on offer – especially if it’s an amazing opportunity. They fear rejection. They fear failure. Which is crazy, because to just qualify as a vet one has to work and study incredibly hard. It’s that old demon of self-doubt that trips people up, and makes them believe that they’re not good enough. When in reality they could be the ideal candidate for the job and it might be exactly the opportunity that’ll give them greater fulfilment in their career.

Safe or great?

If you fear change or moving beyond your comfort zone, you’re not alone, it’s a very human trait. Not everyone is adventurous at heart, and most of us have an instinct that want to keep us in the ‘safe zone’. But the reality is that change will always happen, it’s probably the only thing we can count on happening in life – except maybe death. Change is inevitable. So why not embrace it and use it to find out what possibilities and opportunities there are out there.

Nothing momentous is ever achieved by staying safe, great opportunities are never without risk. But that’s what makes them so rewarding and worth it! That sense of achievement and fulfilment you can have when stepping up to a new opportunity is an incredible feeling. A much better feeling than sitting safely on the side lines. The interesting thing is that opportunities aren’t just a once off, you never know where they will lead, and what further opportunities will open up when you just take the first step. Saying yes, just having an open mind, and being willing to consider new opportunities can be the best thing for you and your career.

 

Are you ready to say yes? Take the leap of faith and call us today to see how we can help you take the next step in your career on 0113 350 1308. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form here.