Acknowledging the challenges in today’s job market, we have some important insights to share. We hope you take a few moments to read the following message.
The business world is becoming more demanding, and companies are placing higher expectations on General Counsels (GCs) to navigate challenges effectively. The fast-paced environment doesn’t provide much time for GCs to grow and make breakthroughs. Over the last two decades, the job market in China has typically favored job seekers, with both multinational and domestic companies competing for top talents. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the last 1-2 years, moving towards a market where employers have more influence.
Faced with fewer job opportunities and higher expectations, GCs are pushed to broaden their skills and make significant breakthroughs. They need to engage with the external world while pushing the limits of their internal expertise. As a legal recruitment partner interacting with legal professionals daily, it’s rare to find someone completely satisfied with their current role. This leads to reflections on global factors or individual circumstances.
Being a GC is inherently challenging, and a piece of humble advice is to consider staying in your current role unless compelled by strong reasons. The contemporary era introduces unpredictability, making the risks of changing jobs substantial. This holds true for organizations of all types, urging caution against assuming stability solely based on a company’s reputation.
Most GCs have strong bonds with their current companies, having weathered challenges together. It takes time for someone new to establish similar relationships, especially when resolving complex issues. The analogy of a ‘bitter war’ is fitting, where the opportunity to share the joy of success is limited as new challenges persist. Taking over someone’s role may only mean sharing in the sorrows.
While perfect positions with all positive aspects do exist, they are rare. If you come across such an opportunity, careful consideration is crucial. Start with understanding the reputation of the predecessor, and be prepared for feedback. Negative feedback requires deeper investigation into management’s expectations. Positive feedback is commendable, but complacency is not advised. Be ready for comparisons with the predecessor’s accomplishments. Awareness of these challenges is crucial before making decisions.
Instead of changing jobs, consider challenges as opportunities for personal growth. If unhappiness in your current job affects your well-being, taking a break might be a good idea. However, similar challenges may arise in your career, and it’s hoped you have the strength and wisdom to navigate them successfully.
No one’s journey is easy, especially in this unique era. Some may prefer to avoid challenges and remain stagnant, while others embrace struggles and progress steadily. We hope each reader belongs to the latter category, embracing challenges for personal development.
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