LENS - Change Your Layout

A Different Lens

Mental Health Monthly

By RanDee McLain, LCSW

Changing Your Layout

The only true way to build an inescapable maze is for the maze to always change its layout.

Last year, in this column we discussed transition and how the pandemic has changed our lives. We discussed how many people have taken this time to reflect on their priorities and where they are focusing their energies. Many people took this as an opportunity to change jobs and in some cases careers.

Many of those that changed jobs spoke about no longer finding that their jobs were meeting their needs and goals. A part of the big shift came when employees no longer felt there was growth for them in position, skills, or knowledge in their current role.

Employees are more engaged when they believe their employer supports growth of employees and provides a career path to reach individual goals.

Organizations that can help develop a career development path can have an overall positive impact on the organization and supports retention. A clear career path provides employees with ways to grow in knowledge and skills and not just promotions.

A traditional career ladder is no longer the only option for career progression. Many employees and employers are looking at a more integrated approach. The long-standing thought was if you work hard eventually you get more responsibility and pay increases. This is one approach, but it is not the only one. This approach is very structured and leaves very little variance for individual goals and needs.

A concept called the lattice approach is more tailored to each individual’s career goals. This approach has various career options including:

Vertical - Increasing responsibility within the organization (traditional career ladder)

Lateral –

Change of jobs outside the organization, but no change in pay, status, or level of responsibility. Change of jobs within the organization, but no change in pay, status, or level of responsibility. Enrichment - Develop in place; grow with in the existing job. Realignment - Take a step back from existing role to pursue different career options.

A career lattice approach is a flexible plan which supports employee development, upskilling and recognition in multiple areas and directions.

I have seen peers take each of these different approaches over the last year. In full transparency, I took several of these to include leaving an organization I had been at for over 7 years.

There comes a time where you must evaluate where you are and where you want to be. You have to list your priorities and determine if the actions you are taking are moving towards those goals or away.

At my previous place of employment, I took multiple lateral moves to advance my knowledge and skills over the years. This included taking more clinical roles to further that skill set. I also focused on ‘enrichment’ and developed skills in place through comprehensive trainings. After multiple enrichments and lateral moves, I felt I no longer had a path forward that included me serving my fellow vets- which is where my heart is.

Eventually, the best thing for my career trajectory and over all mental health was to take a lateral move to another Veteran serving organization. I wanted to be a part of an organization whose sole mission is to serve those who have served. It was also important to be in a place where I felt there were growth opportunities.

Change is hard. It was not an easy thing. In many ways, you are starting over and once again proving yourself but for me it was well worth it. I miss the comfort of being a long-term employee, I miss some of my peers and the clients we serve but overall, I had to do what was best for me and my career.

If you are debating a big life change, take time, make lists, and consult with people you trust and who know you well.

Take time and do what is best for you and your loved ones.

Veteran Resources & Organizations

Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but Homeland Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone.

At Homeland Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.