When Should You Ask for Help? A Guide for the Globally Minded Professional

If you’ve ever found yourself banging your head against a proverbial brick wall at work or in your career, you’re not alone. Most articles on asking for help tend to shout: “Stop struggling in silence! Ask for help when you’re stuck.” They target busy professionals and entrepreneurs who, like you, might be juggling multiple challenges while trying to get ahead. Typically, the advice is straightforward: if you can’t solve your problem, reach out to the people you trust first—be it your mentor, a colleague, or even that inspirational figure on LinkedIn (yes, like me). They warn against letting money, pride, or the fear of vulnerability get in your way.

Yet, surprisingly few delve into one crucial aspect: culture. For many foreigners living in the Netherlands, cultural norms can add an extra layer of difficulty when it comes to seeking help. For instance, in several Asian cultures, asking for help may feel like losing face, while in some Western environments, the mantra of “self-reliance” can make reaching out seem like a sign of weakness. In both cases, you might end up paying a heavy price for pride—or worse, staying stuck until it’s too late.

So, What Are the Best Tips?

1. Ask for Help When You’re Stuck
   When you’ve exhausted all your DIY efforts and nothing seems to change, it’s time to ring the bell. If the problem persists and your ideas aren’t sparking new solutions, that’s your cue. Remember, sometimes even a small nudge from someone with fresh eyes can be the game-changer you need.

2. Start with Those You Trust
   First, consult the people who know you best—your trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. They’re likely to understand the nuances of your situation and can offer tailored advice. If your immediate circle doesn’t have the answers, consider reaching out to someone you admire on LinkedIn. It might feel odd at first, but you’d be surprised how often a well-placed message can kickstart a productive conversation.

3. Don’t Let Money or Pride Stand in Your Way
   We all like to believe we can do it on our own, but investing in a coach (or asking for advice, even if it costs a few quid) is often a smart move. Think of it as buying yourself a ticket out of a maze—you wouldn’t hesitate to pay for a map when you’re lost, would you? Your pride might want to keep you silent, but let’s be honest: sometimes a little humility is the secret sauce for success.

4. When is it Too Late? And When is it Never Too Late?
   It’s too late when you find yourself so entrenched in a cycle of frustration that the opportunity for change has passed, and the damage becomes hard to reverse. However, here’s the kicker: it’s never truly too late to ask for help. Whether you’re facing a career crisis or contemplating a pivot in your business, reaching out—even after a delay—can still open doors to new beginnings. The sooner you break the silence, the better, but there’s always room for a turnaround.

5. Embrace the Cultural Factors
   Recognise that cultural background plays a big role in how and when you ask for help. If you come from a culture that prizes self-sufficiency or places a high value on saving face, you might find it extra challenging to reach out. The trick is to view asking for help not as a personal shortfall but as a strategic decision. In our interconnected world, seeking external guidance can be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough. Remember: many cultures, despite their reticence, can and do adapt when they see the benefit of collaboration.

In Conclusion

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a strategic move that can propel your career or business forward, especially when cultural nuances have kept you from speaking up. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to lean on those you trust first, and then even consider reaching out to a stranger if that’s what it takes. Let money, pride, or cultural inhibitions be the last things you worry about. Because, in the end, the real risk lies in not asking for help at all.

So, take that step, break the silence, and watch how a fresh perspective can light up the darkest corners of your professional journey.