First, may I wish each of you a very Happy and Healthy New Years! I apologize for missing the first blog of the year. While on vacation, I got that dreaded text saying, “Call home.” My dad of 92, who is very healthy, was taken into the hospital because he could not walk. After many hours of tests, it turns out to be a major flare-up of his gout. We expect him home within the next two weeks stronger than ever.
Needless to say, this year is starting out like no year I have ever seen. My phone is literally ringing off the hook from both candidates and client companies for public finance recruiting and more. IMHO breaking 400 Billion in muni issuance was a trigger for the market to see that Muni’s, whether tax-exempt or taxable, are poised again for another great year.
The Emotional Journey
My posts in the past typically start off with a question to pique your interest. Today it’s the converse. It’s a statement that needs to be internalized. No matter where you are in the thought or action process of making any type of move in 2020, it is an emotional process. But here’s the kicker: Make your decision on a business basis, not on emotions. Your emotions will kick in, we are all human. However, being in public finance recruiting, I recommend not allowing your emotions to control you in this process. By being aware of what your emotions are going to do, it will help you immensely.
Easier said than done!
Being in public finance recruiting, I know that making a job change is one of the top contenders for most life changing decisions you will have to undertake. It’s equivalent to marriage, family, choosing a college, and buying a house. Those decisions should be more emotionally “gut-feeling” based. This is where you let the little voice that we all hear dominate throughout the decision-making process. When it comes to taking a new position, your decision should be made with both emotions of “that little voice” as well as your years of experience demonstrated in your business acumen. They should be working together, not in contradiction of each other. Knowing this is an emotive decision, you need to ride your feelings out, and examine the root of those feelings. Then look for the salient reason to make the move and the resulting benefits that will accrue to you after the move is behind you.
Public finance recruiting wants you to answer: What is truly driving you to contemplate making a move?
As you go through the process and your answer(s) have surfaced, never lose sight of those critical reasons. It is your reflection on those points that will help you ride the storm while moving through the process. As emotions rage, go back and review these points. Question them and run through them. If they are still valid, move forward with the process with your public finance recruiting agent. If something has changed, then it’s time to re-evaluate your decision. If nothing has changed, realize that this may be your emotions taking control for now. Get them back under control and move forward!
Public finance recruiting says knowing that this is an emotional decision is only half the battle.
If you are prepared for the ups and downs throughout the job search and interview process, you will be a much stronger candidate in the long run. You will be able to deal with the offer stage and ultimately the resignation stage. Which becomes the most disturbing of all the stages in the process? That is where you must face your fear of the unknown. Go with your business decision and make that move that you have been thinking about for the last couple of months (in some cases years).
With 2020 bringing countless new opportunities, decide if you are a candidate that is just kicking tires, or a candidate that truly wants to move. If the latter, pursue the process with vigor and excitement. If the former, let your public finance recruiting agent (or hiring manager) know that you are not necessarily there yet in the decision-making process. The worst outcome is having a hiring manager wanting to hire you, and you tell them you are not ready. Or worse, you accept then you stay at your current firm because of a counteroffer. If you are upfront with a hiring manager, they may be able to persuade you to join his or her firm. But at least he knows where you stand as it relates to a move.
I wish you the best in 2020, let’s all make it a safe and wonderful year.
Conclusion
If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out to me for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email me at [email protected].
About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all level Public Finance Bankers, Health Care Bankers, Municipal Financial Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels. He can be reached on LinkedIn, at [email protected] or 760-477-1284.