Dear Stephen,
I currently work in a leadership role for one of the smaller subsidiaries of one of the large Michigan-based companies. We are based in a different part of the country than headquarters. My job is good, but I was approached about what I think might be a better career move. I interviewed, and after many rounds I received a job offer. It's an elevated leadership position, compared to what I'm doing now. In other words, it would be a big promotion for me and my career, personally and financially. But all of a sudden, I'm getting cold feet about the idea of changing jobs; with tariffs and an unpredictable economic future, I'm just wondering what's next for me and the industry.
The good thing about the company I'm working for now is that it's owned by a giant company, so I feel a sense of job security. However, the new job I've been offered, although it's a considerable increase in responsibility, title, and salary, is at a smaller, privately owned company.
What do you see happening today in the job market? I can see everyone is still hiring, but are people as quick to change jobs these days? I don't think an opportunity like this will come along for me again soon, and I don't want to lose it, yet I feel concerned about changing jobs right now. Any thoughts?
Signed,
Overthinking
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Dear Overthinking,
Never overthink a job change!
I talk to executives at leading manufacturers and dealers, small and large, every day across the country, and they tell me that it is "business as usual."
So far, we've experienced no holdup in hiring. If you look on LinkedIn and on companies' websites, you will see plenty of job postings for sales jobs, that is for sure. And we have not seen any changes here at The Viscusi Group. My advice remains the same—you should always elevate your career any time the opportunity presents itself.
People from all over the country tell me daily that their biggest regret is not being at the "next level" or further along in their career. This is especially true in the interiors industry, where the furniture hierarchy is often based at headquarters. It's understandable that most jobs in our industry are sales-related, and there are limited field sales growth promotions, so if an opportunity comes along that lets you cross that line from just sales to different responsibilities and challenges, and that's what you have coveted—you'd better take it. Even if it was in the middle of a recession (which we are not in), you should always jump at that job. Why? Because that job will lead you to the next job, and jumping up will put you at that newer, higher level. That is the secret of career growth.
So don't think twice about moving jobs right now or at any time; just do it!
Let's really hit the subject that everyone seems to be whispering about today, especially in our industry, whether it be luxury residential brands or even parts and components that are used in making contract furniture; and we all know what I'm talking about... the "T" word... Tariffs, of course! Here is some good news I have for you all: many of our clients have increased their list prices, and yet they tell me that it has not affected their sales. Customers look at the increase in price, they know it is tariff-related, and they place the purchase order anyway! Other manufacturers tell me they are waiting until after Design Days and NeoCon to decide on price increases because they don't want tariffs to be the focal point of the event.
So, with that in mind, do not let the T word affect your career, and that goes for anyone reading this column. Under no circumstances should anything going on today in the media or politics change your ability or desire to change jobs or elevate your career, period. The next T word I ought to point out is Temporary, because the tariff hysteria today is all temporary. This will soon settle down and business will go on as usual. Just like it always does.
Most clients tell me, if they want to adjust costs for tariffs, they do not freeze hiring or let people go; instead, they are cutting back on outside costs they can control to make up for higher raw material costs they can't control. Examples would be outside PR and marketing consultants or maybe pulling back on attending big over-priced industry events and even industry association dues.
Instead, they tell me they are taking a good client to lunch to solidify the relationship and close the deal. Be smarter, cheaper, and more focused on your customer. One less advertisement may not make a difference, but one less salesperson will. So, if you are in sales or sales leadership, your job is safe.
"US Hiring Stayed Strong in April, the Early Days of Tariff Policy" is the headline of one major US newspaper, so your competitors are all hiring; don't lag behind, just think about where you're spending your budget.
And for you, with the question about changing jobs right now... remember, good jobs, especially opportunities to grow your career, do not come around that often. The final T words of the column are Title! Title! Title! If you're telling me you're going to get a better job (and by that, I mean a better Title), then the last T word is Take It!
Signed,
Stephen