Career Tips from Eric Kelly

Ah, middle management: the corporate world’s waistline, where many of us feel a bit more squeezed than we’d like. It’s the bittersweet symphony of being not quite the newbie but not yet the head honcho. But fear not! Ascending from this rung is less about escaping a bear pit and more about mastering a chessboard. Here’s how you can checkmate your way to the top.

So, you’ve decided to jump ship and swim to the shores of a brand-new career. Bravo! Whether you’re fleeing a sinking industry or just bored to tears by your current job, reinventing your career is like getting a backstage pass to a new act in the opera of your professional life. But before you take the stage, let’s talk strategy, with a hint of wit and a whole lot of practical advice.

Let’s face it, the only constant in the workplace is change, and dealing with it is about as pleasant as hearing, “We need to talk,” from your boss at 4:59 PM on a Friday. Change sweeps through the office more frequently than birthday celebrations, leaving us all scrambling to adjust. But here’s the kicker: survival in this ever-changing sea doesn’t come from swimming against the current—it comes from learning to surf those waves like a pro. Imagine stepping into the office on a typical Monday. You’re ready with your warm beverage, your to-do list, and a faint hope of leaving on time. Suddenly, there’s a company-wide email announcing a major shift in management or a new software rollout that everyone must learn by, oh, yesterday. It feels a bit like showing up for a Halloween party only to find out it’s actually a Thanksgiving potluck. Surprise! Time to pivot. But here’s the secret: nobody likes ‘change’ except a wet baby, and even they cry through it. Yet, to keep your sanity amidst the chaos, you must embrace the art of surfing change. This doesn’t mean waxing your board and donning board shorts at the cubicle. Instead, it means adopting a mindset that change is not just inevitable but an opportunity to shine. First, recognize that fighting change is like yelling at the waves to stop crashing—it’s futile and you’ll just end up with a mouthful of salt water. Instead, when change rolls in, paddle into it. Assess how these changes can actually benefit you. Can this new software streamline your work? Could a shift in management bring fresh, exciting projects? It’s all about perspective. Maintain your sense of humor. Laughing in the face of change not only keeps morale high but also diffuses the stress that could otherwise spread like wildfire. Be the one to crack a joke when everyone else is groaning about the tenth “urgent” change this month. It’s like putting a little umbrella in everyone’s stormy day cocktail. And let’s not forget the power of humble confidence. Stay confident in your ability to adapt, but humble enough to ask for help when needed. It’s okay to admit that you’re as baffled by the new policies as everyone else. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an acknowledgment that you’re smart enough to learn from others.