Expiriation Date

You have seen them stamped on items at grocery stores.  They seem to be everywhere.  Just about everything we purchase or use has an expiration date.


Years ago comedian Steven Wright jokes that his Birth Certificate had an expiration date on it.


That’s a funny concept – but people DO have expiration dates.


I am not talking about death here.  I am referring to the time when one no longer is effective in their position on a committee, at a task, or at their job.


We all have expiration dates.


My cardiologist, now that he is in his 60’s has taken a step away from full time medicine.  This month he begins a new chapter in his career where he will be teaching (as he calls it) the next generation of cardiologists.


Years ago, Jerry Seinfeld announced the end of his popular tv show.  His thinking was very smart.  In show business, you are always taught to leave the audience always wanting more.  Go out on a high – was a popular phrase among the inner circle of comics.


The key is to know when you have reached your apex.  And, know where the next chapter of YOU is going.


The worst thing a person can do for themselves, their career, the organization they served or even their employer – is to stay beyond when you are welcome.  Think of the friend or relative who came to visit and stayed past their time.  How did you feel?  At some point, you start just wishing they would leave.  The visit has gone past the subtle hints.  It’s gone past the hint of yawning – or pointing your foot toward the door.


How do you know when it’s time to step away?


First – ask yourself if your passion has gone out of fashion.  Do you no longer have the zip and zeal for the cause?  Do you no longer feel the hunger for the project?


Second – check your forward motion.  Are you just spinning your tires?  Do you feel as though you are on a fast train to nowhere?


Third – Have you transitioned to having a passion for another phase of the project?  Perhaps age has played a role and your body can no longer carry the labor load – but your knowledge of “how to” is valuable.  Maybe your skills or strengths can be used in a more effective manner in another part of the team, project or organization.


Fourth – is the writing on the wall that you have overstayed your welcome?


Keep in mind, NONE of these questions mean in any way that you are a failure.  What it DOES mean is that you have the wisdom to know when enough is enough.  And, that you do not want your waning to hold the sled team back from it’s mission.


As I said, don’t be foolish and just walk away – have a plan B.  Have a new plan of attack for the next chapter, phase or journey of your life.


Years ago people received a 25 year watch for service with one company.  Although that was admirable and does deserve recognition – its becoming a piece of Americana.  The average person today changes jobs and careers multiple times.


Nowadays companies actually do not expect an employee to last more than 5 years or so.


If you feel you’ve been riding the bronco too long and the bucking is getting to you……consider another field.  All too often people get sore from riding the Ajax Company’s bull – so they go to work riding the Acme Company’s bull?  What really changed?  Just the scenery!  Ya still have the same bucking bull and the same pains as before.


Challenge yourself.  Go for training in another arena.  Gain some knowledge in a different field.


Ron