Jumping from one job to another can get you ahead. It can also get you into trouble. This is especially true if you do this every few months. More than any time in recent memory we are finding opportunities abound and with these come temptations.

Let’s admit it we can find it flattering when approached with a new job offer. How is it that the grass always looks greener on the other side? This new job may pay more than you are getting right now. Maybe it looks more interesting than what you’re doing today. How many people do you know that are bored with their job? Is this you? I’ve got a surprise for you it’s not the job that’s become boring.

The reason people get bored with their job is because they’ve become boring. They’ve become disinterested and have no connection to the work they are doing. What’s happened is they have lost their reason for doing the work they currently do. Why is that? The answer is the “why” itself. Maybe this person didn’t have a strong “why” to begin with.

The “why” isn’t about the benefits or the pay. These are areas that need to be maintained though they are not motivators. Studies have shown what motivates us is connecting to our passion, finding our values and determining a way to express them. When this is done we feel totally connected to our work. The purpose is much bigger than ourselves and we find ourselves being “on purpose” and in-service of others. The value we find in our work is really the value we are connecting to inside of ourselves. We’ve come to learn and express what it is that we value.

So if you find someone running from one job to another, ask them “what are you running from?” Maybe even ask yourself. Sometimes it’s not even the job itself, it’s the people. How is it that there are negative and mean people at each of the companies you’ve worked at? On the other hand, how is it our issues keep following us wherever we go?

Settling in to a job means creating connection and building community with our workmates suppliers and customers. For some, this is why they’d never consider leaving a job as they are so connected to the people through their work. When you see someone jumping from the frying pan to the fire ask them “how different is this really?”

In order to connect with the other people at our work we have to invest in them. This means learning about what makes them happy, what stresses them out, their family issues and all of that. While it is the workplace, it’s about relationships, connection and being part of a community.

Jumping from the frying pan into the fire is a habit for some with their jobs and their core relationships. Two things become apparent when we look closer. This person isn’t able to articulate their values to themselves or others and second they don’t have a personal road-map. When a person has both they know exactly where they are going and know who they should be with. Sound easy? It is, if you do this personal work up front. So until next week, remember: “in only two days, tomorrow will be yesterday, lean into it!” As I offer insights, stories, tips and career information, please contact me to share your stories opinions and comments to Don Campbell.