"If You Could Find Job Security in Today's Tough Work Environment, Even Change Your Career to Do Something You'd Really Enjoy --- How Far Would You Go to Make It Happen?" This was the title of a newsletter article I wrote two years ago. In reading it again, I feel the content is more relevant than ever for the careerist. As always, your comments on this post are greatly appreciated!
Too many people today are working from a place of fear instead of fun - from a place of panic instead of peace. If this sounds like you, please know that you're not alone. But also know that you CAN do something about it.
Fear is a powerful emotion. It triggers the "fight" or "flight" natural reflex in each of us. What's difficult is when fear gets attached to our jobs. How do you "fight" to keep your job when it falls into jeopardy? How do you "flee" when you can't tolerate a job or job situation any longer - but still need the income to support family and self?
Physical reactions set in when we feel powerless to control job changes. Weak knees, twitching eyes, sweaty palms, stuttering - all are visible signs that you are overly stressed and have lost control of the situation.
Temporary relief may come with the drive home from work knowing you have 10-12 hours before having to face it all again. Better yet, Friday evening can allow complete mind block for 48 hours - but on Sunday evening it all starts up for a new week. Anticipating the dreaded job situation can often be worse than the situation itself.
The only way to break free from this cycle of fear is to know what your real career options are. This process starts with an evaluation of your career situation. Determine how close the layoff ax is to you. Assess what skills and abilities you have that are in demand in the current work world. Know what values you must have met so you can align with a company's culture. Figure out what makes you go to work with a smile on your face instead of a knot in your stomach.
When you have all of your answers, you will be on track toward your next career move. It may mean changing jobs, employers, industries, or even geographic locations. But whatever you decide, you'll know it is YOUR decision - even if it is just choosing to stay where you are.
While this is a process that you can do by yourself, you will find clarity quicker and easier when you work with a Career Coach. When processing alone, circular thinking can block answers. To borrow a phrase from an AT&T commercial, maybe it's time to "rethink possible" with a little help from your coach.
Wishing you career success in 2011!
Meg
So many people are in work that they fundamentally find unfulfilling. They commit to a life of discontent because of fear. The fear that they will not be able to find a better situation, a better income or they are just frightened to take any kind of risk what so ever. Fear is a paralysing and often times destructive place from which to try and make decisions. But what if the opposite where was true that considering your opportunities from a position of optimism asking yourself not "can I do that" but rather "how can I do that" the process of making that decision becomes freeing, empowering and constructive. I have no doubt that asking yourself how can I have a job I enjoy will reap big rewards for anyone unafraid to consider it.
Posted by: James N O | September 14, 2011 at 04:57 AM
No offense, but if there's a facebook like button, it'll be much easier for me to share.
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