Based on the results from our most recent staffing and structure report, one in two church staff members is open to new employment. Some want to leave because the resources to increase their salary do not exist, or the church doesn’t place a high value on its staff. Being stuck in this area can quickly become frustrating, and eventually quality leaders will leave to find positions that will support their families. Others are in unhealthy church cultures with no signs of improvement.
Some leaders are stuck in a pace of ministry they can no longer maintain. What started out to be exciting and new is now at an unsustainable grind. Many staff have simply outgrown the position they are in and are ready to advance to positions with greater responsibility.
So what do you do if you are one of the 50% of people looking for a change?
Recently I checked out the book Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work and Never Get Stuck by Jon Acuff. This book is a must-read for anyone thinking about making a career change. The book is filled with practical advice and Jon challenges people who are stuck in their career to focus on relationships, skills, character and hustle.
Here are seven key thoughts from the book:
- Finding a better job begins with building a better you.
- Becoming stuck is never dramatic, because then we would wake up. Complacency is a slow gas leak, not a bomb blast.
- Advocates and mentors know all the cheat codes. If you’ll listen, they will give them to you.
- Employees who add value end up being invaluable.
- Your career will soon become extinct unless you learn new skills.
- There are a few things in the world that will change someone’s opinion of you as quickly as your generosity.
- In order to do more of what you are capable of, you will have to do less of what you’ve been doing.
Identifying the reason you feel stuck is a good starting point. After that, you may want some help charting a path forward, especially if you have realized you are going to need to change careers or make another major life shift. We usually recommend an excellent life planning process. You can inquire more about how we help with that here.
