A former colleague announced last week via twitter that she had been given residency in the UK. She has been in London for about as long as I have been a mother. She has climbed the career ladder there, married and is now the mother of a young daughter with a distinct English accent. When I read her tweet, my mind back-flipped 20 years.
In the early nineties, when I was just a couple of years into a five-year editorship (my first), I was approached by a major British publisher to take on an editorship in London. I was so in love with my job in Australia that I didn’t give the opportunity the due consideration it deserved. I turned down the offer to be flown to London for a discussion because I didn’t want to be talked into it.
Looking back it was probably a poor career decision. It’s not that I didn’t go on to some fantastic opportunities in the local market, but in the publishing world London and New York are ultimately where it’s at.
What I know now: An international posting can be a real boost to your career.
If I had my time again: I would board that plane.
If it was the only regret I had then that would be fine. But I also once turned down an opportunity to create a new publishing business with the backing of one of the world’s largest media companies, out of loyalty. The company that I was working for at the time was in the process of entering into a joint-venture agreement. I was informed that they needed me. I was told that if I departed the deal may not go ahead. So I stayed out of loyalty to my company, even though it wasn’t the preferred outcome for my career.
What I know now: Loyalty is a one-way street.
If I had my time again: I would take the new opportunity.
At an early stage in my management career my direct manager was unceremoniously sacked. Out of respect for him I waited a while before deciding to put my hand up for his job. By the time I’d decided to do so, someone externally had been tapped on the shoulder for the job. The CEO then told me that he assumed I wasn’t interested in the role. I asked him why he didn’t discuss it with me if he thought I was a suitable candidate.
What I now know: Sometimes you have to go in for the chase.
If I had my time again: I would apply, but only after a respectful amount of time.
Do you have regrets about career decisions in your past?