The Writer’s Coin

I’ve been thinking a lot about my new job this week and how it has improved my outlook on certain things. And now, whenever I read tips on getting a new job or sensible advice like taking classes in something useful like public speaking, I keep encountering the same thing: change is extremely hard.

It has been hard for me to adjust to my new job. The paycheck, benefits, and perks are all way more than what I’m used to (which is great), but going from a situation where you knew everyone you worked with were comfortable with them to a place where you’re “the new guy” is tough. Everyone I worked with before was my friend and the people there are the main reason I hung in there for so long. It’s also the main reason people stay for so lone: they really like the people they are working with.

Whenever I asked former coworkers why they were still around, they told me that they liked working with their friends every day and that they couldn’t imagine changing that. The shock to their lives would be too great. I would listen and think to myself, “Wow, that’s kind of shortsighted.” I still think it is, but now I understand. No matter what kind of advice I give or follow, it’s tough to adjust to such a major change.

I think personal-finance bloggers like me forget how hard it is to try new things. It hit me the other day when I read Brip Blap’s rundown of what Lending Club is all about. I’ve read about it and Prosper.com (I even wrote about it once) and I think it’s another great way to diversify one’s investments. I also like the human aspect behind lending money to individuals without going through banks.

But have I signed up and tried it out yet? Nope. And I’ve liked it for over a year already. What’s kept me from trying it? It’s a something new that I’m not familiar with, that’s what. I sometimes get frustrated when I meet someone who doesn’t have a 401(k) or a high-yield savings account, it’s essential that you do this kind of thing! But I’ve forgotten that those things were once new to me too, and it’s not easy to jump into them lickety split. Add peer-to-peer lending to the long list of other stuff I’ve thought are great ideas but haven’t tried yet: kiva.org, stop limits, ETFs, etc.

I think the switch to my new job has reminded me about how hard it is to make any kind of change in our lives. But I’ve also seen the benefits of making those changes, so that makes it easier to take the leap next time I encounter a new opportunity. For those of you thinking of trying something new I say this: You’ve got something to lose but everything to gain.

Go for it.

Tags: adjusting, change, new job, trying new things