Since I’ve been told not to mess with Mother Nature, even though this Wikipedia personification is very positive, it seems best for your career planning to avoid what she abhors.
Unfortunately, there’s a long list of what “nature abhors,” according to Google.
Nature Abhors a Vacuum
Perhaps this is why voids get filled quickly. It’s obvious when a good job is open because candidates jump in, trying to be chosen.
Good career planning says you should be part of this group anytime you believe you’ve earned consideration. It’s your right and often you won’t be considered if you don’t make your own sale.
Perhaps not so obvious is how to deal with dangerous career planning situations that have sucked in others to their detriment. Employees fired because of:
- Failing in a tough job.
- Not being able to satisfy a difficult boss or client.
- “Dying” along with a project already behind schedule.
Go for it. The second, third, or even fourth person is more likely to be working in an atmosphere of understanding after the euphoria for predecessors proved unwise.
Nature Abhors a Gap
All bosses are paranoid to some degree and dislike unknowns.
To keep your boss and your boss’s boss calm, never let them think that there’s a gap in knowledge, planning or actions. To be clear: when you find a gap, it’s your responsibility to fill it.
Executive recruiters also abhor gaps in a resume. One recruiter friend and MENG member says to account for every month of your career, whether or not employed.
Never get too clever hiding gaps on your resume. Facts are easily checked and you have to keep your credibility to be considered.
Nature Abhors Normality
Normal is ordinary, standard and common. It’s also boring. It’s the career planning equivalent of getting a passing grade, which keeps you employed but eliminates the potential for promotion.
If you’re considered normal at work, you’re an average employee who needs to either improve, better communicate your value or find a better situation if you want to prosper.
Nature Abhors the Old
This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson was aimed at old age, but included the following thoughts that show this is not inevitable: “We grizzle every day. I see no need of it.” He also is quoted as saying: “This old age ought not to creep on a human mind.”
I think he’s urging us to keep up to date. Surely good career planning advice.
Nature Abhors a Straight Line
This statement is by an 18th century English landscaper, William Kent, who wanted everything in a “harmonious relationship” without using walls to restrict.
I’m not sure how often you’ll find a company culture that has everyone in harmonious relationships, but very few successful careers are linear.
Look for related rather than redundant opportunities that add to your capabilities and credibility.
Nature Abhors Annihilation
I don’t know the context for this quote by Cicero, but a positive interpretation is that “Nature Wants You to Survive.” Hopefully your boss does, too, since it’s certainly much easier to keep an employee than fire them and either:
- Recruit a replacement, or
- Absorb the work.
If you’re productive, you’re likely to be employed for as long as your job is needed. Therefore, it’s okay to relax just a little and not become paranoid… that’s your boss’s job.
Nature is described as abhorring many things. Lucky for us, nature teaches us how to deal with these negative attitudes as we do our career planning.