As we step into a new year, we inevitably reflect on the year that was. So many people madly scramble to reach the Christmas break and be free from work for a few weeks only to go back a week or so later still feeling dissatisfied and gloomy. It is easy to complain about your job or silently resent it each day. It’s not as easy to take the steps required to find a job that you love. However, having job satisfaction enhances all aspects of your life so maybe it’s worth the hard yards?
Over the Summer holidays or as the beginning of the work year gains momentum set some work life goals for the next 12 months as well as reassess if the way you spend your working day is actually aligned with your life and career goals. Consider making some changes within your working life so you can actually enjoy it. It might mean asking for a better work life balance, requesting a pay rise if your workload has increased, arranging a discussion with management to request a refresh of your role or perhaps seeking out a new job all together.
Does what you do fulfil you? If not, what changes can you make to your working life to ensure you are fulfilled. It could be a matter of looking at why you first decided to take a job at your current place of employment. Do those reasons still attract you or is it time to spread your wings and seek a more fulfilling role elsewhere? A job doesn’t have to be your ‘dream job’ to be fulfilling, but it does have to be enjoyable at least some of the time.
Ask yourself what is it you want out of your working life? What are your values and ideals? What causes do you care about? If you could go back in time, would you still pick the same path you’re currently on? Get clear on what you want to be doing with your life and set yourself some actionable goals to make it happen.
Here are some tips on chasing a career that will make you smile.
Be strong
There is no easy path to success, it takes a clear vision, perseverance, passion and creativity to get to where you want. You will encounter plenty of challenges along the way and ultimately you need to be your own cheer leader. Whether you are working your way up the corporate ladder, striving for success in your current role or stepping into the unknown as an entrepreneur or into a new industry, learning to tackle challenges as they come will provide valuable growth opportunities and help you to develop strategies to avoid problems down the track. Any hurdles you face as you carve out a career you love will force you to think outside the square and may just help you to stand out amongst the crowd.
Words of wisdom
If you want to launch your own business start with workshopping your ideas with (supportive) family and friends for feedback and encouragement. Explore online communities of creatives and entrepreneurs and don’t be shy about asking questions and asking advice to help you figure out where to start. Verbalising your goals not only gets you out of ‘thinking’ and into ‘doing’ but is also helps you to be more accountable. Uttering your ideas to others is the first step to making your dreams a realisation. Next step is refining and developing a strategy, including short-term, time-based goals and a clear end vision.
If you want to change jobs or pursue a different role it is helpful to talk about your work goals with family and friends. Try not to get caught always complaining about the job you currently have. Instead, find ways to up your skillset, network, express your desire to change roles with management or get on job search websites and start to apply for and attend interviews.
Action your goals
The most important step when desiring change is taking action. This could include doing research, acquiring the required skills for the job/business through education and taking measurable steps towards achieving your goals. Develop clarity around your vision and end goals and have a realistic timeframe in which to achieve it. Ensure your short-term goals are being revised and pursued as they are ultimately the stepping stones to the end goal.
Research
Learn from the mistakes of others. Really dive into the workings of your industry and get to know the main players and the newcomers. What do you love? What don’t you like? Assess what is working and what isn’t in your current work situation. How can you create a positive impact, have a point of difference or make change in your industry and be noticed? How can you serve others and create change for good?
Plan
Having a business plan or a career plan will help you to look ahead. Keep it simple but let it keep you on track and guide you.
Money matters
Maintaining some kind of financial fluidity while shifting in your career is important. Ensure you have solid financial backing if you are about to launch a business, being mindful of the high costs a new launch often entails. Have a strategy around paying your bills while you wait for the cheques to roll in. Will you have to work a second job while building your business or attending job interviews? Do you have savings to draw on or perhaps a personal loan will assist you to make the initial investments needed to start up. If you're about to change jobs, ideally don't quit until you've secured a new role, ensuring an income as you transition.
Surrender to the flow
Have space around your goals for yourself. Know that your dreams and your job will evolve and change over time. Your own experience and maturity will bring new elements and wisdom to your offering. Accept that things may turn out differently than you intended, but perhaps will land you somewhere even better.
Regardless of what you do for a job, whether it’s cleaning toilets or managing a team of 50, you experience your job through your own lens of perception based on your attitude. Ultimately you are responsible for how you respond to what happens during your day. Choose to be positive in the workplace, kind to your colleagues and find things to be grateful for within your working life. An ‘attitude of gratitude’ will turn a mundane job into an enjoyable way to earn a living. As the new year slowly unfurls why not take a few steps today to either improve your current working situation or carve out a new career that you will love.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
