The Movement Challenge for Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers

Our society is on the go. According to Realtor.com, top states for move in are Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee, and Alaska. Whether you’re moving for a new job, are exploring a new passion, or just need a change of scenery, individuals are on the move.

Where are you in the movement challenge? Check out these five movement parameters to see how you fit in.

Move On. Need a refresh? Perhaps you’ve been at your existing job for far too long – per Gallup, 60% of millennials are considering a job hop. It’s not only millennials that feel the need for change. Gen Xers also cited that a change is in order, including pursuing a university-level education or professional credential or becoming an entrepreneur. If you feel that your creativity is stifled, it might be time to move on. With global economic indicators pointing to continued growth, consider exploring new horizons.

Move Up. Like where you are, but just want a little more? Perhaps a little more responsibility is in your cards. If you’re itching to move up the ladder and challenge yourself with new or expanded responsibilities, a promotion might be your answer. Need some suggestions of how to ask for a promotion? The Harvard Business Review has a step-by-step.

Move Down. As boomers age, they may want to scale down their lifestyle. From downsizing their homes to ratcheting from full-time to part-time, it might be the right time to rethink the 9 to 5. Consider passion projects or volunteer activities. It’s not just boomers, however, who want to move down. Many millennials are fully living a more nomadic career life style in the gig economy or are moving abroad to down under or far flung locations, such as Australia, Thailand, Belize, and Ecuador. As an added plus, many of these countries have a favorable cost of living index which will fit nicely with the moving down philosophy.

Move Sideways. Feel like you’re not growing professionally, but are not interested in changing companies? Like your co-workers and your benefits and don’t feel the need to make a drastic change? A lateral move within your current organization could be your future where you learn new skills and have new experiences without moving companies. If there’s no current jobs you’re interested in applying to, how about creating a new program or process that your fellow co-workers (and you) could benefit from?

Move Next. Starting a new journey doesn’t always begin with you. Perhaps the move is forced upon you via a lay-off or restructuring. Take heart that the next move is up to you. It may not feel this way when a career change is not something you’ve sought out. Be productive and use this time to outline your next adventure. Write goals. Join a networking group. Reach out to your inner circle for support. Changing jobs and careers may mean taking a step back to reflect, reassess, plan, and then take action.

Need a helping hand with your next career move? Building a new brand and need an effective communications strategy? Launching a new product into the marketplace? Need content marketing help? I would love to hear from you.

Join me on my 20-day blogging challenge. Follow this blog site and let’s engage together! Tweet me at @circledotmktg. Visit www.circledotmarketing.com.

Sharon Gee is a consultant and marketer who specializes in helping global companies, start-ups, and small businesses thrive. A strategic thinker, Sharon supports CEOs and business leaders reach their goals through research, innovation, customer analysis, communication, and social media prowess.