We work with many individuals who feel trapped in their jobs. Or who feel that they have a job not a career – let alone a vocation. People who spend upwards of 50 hours a week slogging at something they are not connected with – or in the extreme actually hate. And in all honesty it’s horrible to see people in a state of such unhappiness.
Although, over the last twelve months I have noticed a sharp spike in something more sinister. I have been seeing people who are actually becoming unwell from their jobs – whether from sustained periods of unreasonable pressure, long hours or toxic work environments. In these circumstances I see people who are actually forgoing their lives for their careers – which make them miserable and unwell.
I think all of us have felt a level of dissatisfaction in our careers at one point or another. Whether it be because we are not getting to the positions that we want in the time we want, that we haven’t figured out what we want to do with our lives or just simply that work is not something that ‘fills us up’.
The expectation of what work is has changed in the last twenty years. Work is now an integral part of our lives, and often our identities. How critical must it be then, to find something that is true to who we are, moves us closer to our full potential and yet still manages to pay the mortgage?
As the hours in the standard work week continue to rise, we all must make a concerted effort to find a fulfilling line of work and avoid the toxic career. So how do we do that?
1. Identify Your Why
Jobs are no longer simply a means of paying the bills. They are often the way we contribute to the world, and are a big part of our legacy. In order to find the career that will serve this purpose you must first be crystal clear on your purpose, and how you want to be remembered.
2. Be Clear on Your Skills
Compile a full inventory of your skills. These are going to provide the guide for where you can offer value, and where your ideal job will reside.
3. Identify Skills Gaps
Once you know the path you wish to tread you will be able to identify the areas that you need to upskill in, and start to build a plan for how to best build those skills.
4. Formulate Your Value Proposition
To land your ideal job (or client) you must be very clear on your value proposition, and how to communicate it.
5. Make a Plan
In order for your dream job to become your reality you must have a clear, action-based plan with timelines. That is not to say things won’t change on the path, however you need to have clear actions to take and deadlines in order to create and maintain momentum.
Ready to take the next step on your journey to LOVING what you do? Join the waitlist for our next Career Compass workshop now!