Make the grass greener on your side of the fence

BY CRAIG KIRKLAND, EVP/Director of Retail Banking, Nevada State Bank

There has been a lot of talk about “The Great Resignation” of 2021 — the spike in employees quitting their jobs during the pandemic. 

However, this was followed by what was dubbed “The Great Regret.” In one study, nearly half the people who switched jobs said they were disappointed and would try to get their old job back! 

Enter the old adage that “The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.” This is the perception that something else is better than the situation you are presently in. With social media, individuals and companies alike have become very skilled at creating the illusion of lush green grass on their side of the fence. But is it really? 

Taking the metaphor a bit further, grass can represent your career. On your side of the fence, there may be patches of dirt, weeds, or crabgrass — but it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can eventually turn your career into tall fescue grass that will stay green perennially. 

Seven ways to make your “work grass” greener 

1. Find a mentor. Actively reach out to co-workers, past employers, organizations where you participate, faith-based groups, etc. 

2. Read. Redirect some of your spare time from Netflix to building your knowledge base about your industry. 

3. Build technical skills. Learn coding, digital marketing or Excel. This may not only make you a more valuable employee, but it will give you options if you decide to try something new. 

4. Go back to school. Get your AA or bachelor’s degree. If you have that already, work on your graduate degree. 

5. Seek out leadership programs. These may be offered by your employer, by organizations like Leadership Las Vegas, or by community organizations or non-profits. 

6. Network. Join a group or club with like-minded people of varied backgrounds and perspectives to help develop your diversity of thought and experiences. 

7. Volunteer more. It’s a good way to connect with altruistic people and a great way to help others while making connections. 

I’m not saying you should stay in a miserable situation — that’s not good for your well-being. However, it’s important to realize that something that seems better may not always be. You can change the environment and the dynamic at work or change your attitude towards it. Take steps to make the grass greener where you are! 

Craig Kirkland, EVP/Director of Retail Banking for Nevada State Bank, shares insights from his 30-year banking career in Craig’s Common Cents. If you’d like to read his other posts, please visit www.nsbank.com/cents