"Know Thyself." William Shakespeare
As the first chilly day of fall arrives, my thoughts wander ahead to the snow to come - not too far into the future, I fear. Have you ever seen a magnified snowflake? Or compared two magnified snowflakes next to each other? While appearing the same to the human eye, when examined under a microscope, each snowflake is very different from the other. Look closely at the design and makeup of each - can you see the unique pieces?
Like snowflakes, each of us is unique, though similar, to all others. It is our uniqueness that we celebrate while honoring all people's similarities and diversity. There's so much discussion these days about "fitting in" and "being part of a team." Yes, we operate in many societies - family, workplace, associations, clubs, churches, and more. Being able to blend smoothly is a big part of success inside these groups. But don't forget that there are still some things that we have to do alone, things that require us to call upon our uniqueness. While birth and death first come to mind as totally alone activities, another that requires our unique abilities is changing careers or finding a new job.
I think that's why job seekers find job search such a challenge. Job search is a lonely activity. It requires self-motivation, perseverance, and commitment with little reward from anyone but yourself. YOU have to research companies; YOU have to choose the companies for resume submission; YOU have to prepare for job interviews and then go to them alone!
Just for fun, try doing a mind map of your personal "snowflake." Start with listing your values - those things that must be honored at work for you to be happy with your job. Then, list your motivators - what makes you want to get up and go to work in the first place? Finally, what are your deal-breakers - those things that are non-negotiable at work (e.g., overtime hours, benefits, paid holidays, minimum salary, travel, etc.)? Now, what does your snowflake (mind map) look like?
NOTE: Be careful when listing your deal-breakers. Make sure they are really non-negotiable. Sometimes we have a tendency to feel we can't live without something, when in reality, that's just a preference, not a deal-breaker.
If you discover that your current career or job does not match your snowflake profile, zero in on those things that need to change in order for you to have a complete fit. If you can make those changes by yourself in your current role, fine. If not, it's time to start your discovery process to find your ideal career or job. For most of us, we are our worst enemy when it comes to change. It's easier to blame outside conditions rather than accept the responsibility to proactively change. Even if we hurt, that feeling is familiar, so therefore, comfortable. Change is risky - not at all comfortable - but very doable.
A career coach is your ideal partner when it comes to career reinvention. And Fall is the best time of the year to invest in the career change process. Get your career in gear for the new year! When 2012 arrives, you'll be glad you took this time.
Wishing you career success in 2012!
Meg
Meg,
What an empowering post, and one that, while putting the onus back on the individual (versus allowing blaming and languishing in one's own frustrations), also enables them to feel 'in charge.' You've created a great mind-mapping process with a lovely snowflake metaphor.
Thank you for your continued encouraging and pragmatic leadership on behalf of careerists and job seekers!
Jacqui
Posted by: Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter (Executive Resume Writer) | October 19, 2011 at 08:42 AM