A couple of weeks ago I heard on CNN that half of all Americans
are unhappy in their jobs. I was not surprised by this statistic.
I used to work in a
building where I would look out from the second story window
at 5:00 p.m. and watch in amazement as people literally ran
in droves to their cars, barely surviving another day. It is
a tragedy when people spend the best years of
their lives doing work they do not enjoy and dreading their
jobs. Negative feelings about work affect every area of your
life, including your
relationships, motivation and physical and mental health.
> From my experience as a coach, people who are unhappy
with their work often feel stuck. Many suffer from what I
refer to as the “competency curse.” The competency
curse occurs when people become very good at their work,
either through years of education or experience or both,
but the problem is, they are experts at something they do
not enjoy and that does not bring them a sense of satisfaction
or fulfillment. In addition, many people attain a level of
income upon which they become dependent, often by working
for corporations that pay well. They become part of a large
group of people wearing “golden handcuffs.” The
paycheck and benefits keep them chained to a job they dread.
What do most of these people have in common? First, their
lives are on hold until five o’clock, weekends or retirement.
Second, they really are not stuck - they have choices.
If you are one of the far too many people who are starting
your work week with feelings of dread and resignation, here
are some strategies that will help you right now to take
action and move forward into a rewarding, happier career.
(1) Realize that you have choices
and you’re not stuck.
Refuse to
become a victim. Take control of your life and your situation.
Even if you choose to stay in an unhappy job, take responsibility
for the decision to stay and realize that it is your choice.
(2) Refuse to trade a life for a lifestyle. Forget about
the
fancy house and the new car. Simplify your life. Having the
freedom to choose will make you much happier than any material
possession you could ever own.
(3) Have financial reserves. You can
save more money than you’re
currently saving. Write down everything on which you spend
money in one month. Cut expenses again and again. You will
find that you’ll spend less money when you’re
happier with your life.
(4) If there is something you have always wanted to do,
start now.
Take small steps. What are you passionate about? Do you want
to own your own business, become an artist, write a novel,
go back to school or start a new professional career? Whatever
it is, take action steps, one at a time. If you look at the
entire process, it will overwhelm you. What one thing can
you do today to start your journey?
(5) If you are having difficulty resolving the conflict
about whether to stay in a job or to leave and you need some
objectivity, try this
exercise. Ask yourself the following question: “What
would the wisest person in the Universe tell me to do in
this situation"? This is a very powerful tool that will
give you a much broader perspective.
(6) Is there something you could do to make your current
work
situation better? Maybe it would be as simple as redecorating
your surroundings to reflect who you are. Perhaps there are
job opportunities in another department or an opportunity
to take on another role in your office that better suits
your interests and personality. Write down any problems you
are having and take just one step this week toward positively
resolving the issue.
(7) If you are uncertain about what career would be right
for you, a coach can help you find your passion and support
you through major
transitions.
Renee Joseph
Career Coach
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