Whether you participated, or just noticed a significant absence of flour, lemons, syrup and Nutella from the supermarket shelves a few weeks back, it was Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday. Personally, I am not too fussed about the pancake element of the day, not to say I will turn them down when offered, nor do I have any wish to be a player in the Ashbourne ball game between the Up’ards and the Down’ards. But I am aware of the days’ function in marking the final day before Lent.

For many, Lent is an opportunity to take on a challenge ranging from forgoing a favourite treat, such as chocolate, or taking up an activity in the 40-day run up to Easter representing Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and the sacrifices made.

Yet while giving up or letting go of something like chocolate for forty days does seem like a sensible (if not very fun) idea, there are times when the decision about whether to let go of a role is less clear. After all, it is drilled into us to never give up and to constantly work hard towards objectives in our personal lives, sporting pursuits or careers. While there is no denying that this is good advice to live our lives by, for the most part, there may be times when we should recognise that it may be better to focus on enjoyment and fulfilment and let go of that which does not.

This action is perceived negatively but is it such a bad thing – surely it is simply a question of changing our mentality around the decision, framing it as an opportunity for development, rather than a failing. It is a sign that we know ourselves and our tolerance levels; recognising this, we adapt our goals to be more aligned with who we are and what we want. The results of relentlessly pursuing goals that no longer bring us happiness or a sense of achievement may have longer, more negative impacts on our development than stopping, reassessing, and taking a different route.

Recognising that it is time to let go can be emotive, difficult, and worrying to come to terms with, but it is a prospect made easier with the support of your team, encompassing family, friends, advisers and your colleagues. What’s more, we here at ABPM remain on hand to help you, no matter where you are in your thinking. We have always recognised and embedded in our approach that we are doing much more than simply finding you your next job and encouraging our hiring clients to think the same when making an appointment. So, whether you are taking the next step up in your journey or looking to embark on a different path, we are on hand to listen!

 

Rej Abraham, Sarah Torrington, Matt Byrne, Alex Handford