Who would ever guess the new networking participant was a professional currently employed making a significant six figure income, more vacation than he could take and a yearly bonus that would capture most people’s attention? However, at age 44, he was feeling somewhat clueless and perplexed, despite a seemingly successful career. The problem: He was not enjoying his work.
The truth is what you often see on the outside is not a reflection on the inside and while money no doubt is a factor associated with success, it’s not a predictor of happiness. What looks like a fantastic job with all the trimmings does not necessarily make you happy.
If you are in the office every day for 10-12 hours, you need to enjoy what you are doing or your career will suffer. It’s easy to put your career on autopilot when your day is crammed full of meetings with little time left to contemplate enjoyment while the daily grind is slowly chipping away at your happiness.
It’s time for a career tune-up when you fail to find meaning in your work, the excitement you once had in going to your job every day is replaced by confounded feeling like “something is missing.” The missing piece is your happiness.
Pay attention to your self-talk and at the end of day if you leave feeling more exhausted than fulfilled, it’s time for a change. Granted, all career tune-ups are not the same and you might just need a minor adjustment such as a change in your work hours or managing your time more efficiently.
If a minor change doesn’t appear to help then you might need a major career restoration. It’s difficult to fake career happiness because every part of your being knows that when you are in the wrong job using the skills that are more stressful than stimulating, over time you end up feeling confused and directionless.
Career tune-ups can be life savers because they help you see what you really need or what’s missing. Rather than going through the motions every day – stop and answer these six questions. Your answers will tell if you need a minor or major career overhaul.
1. Are you using your areas of strength and most enjoyable skills at work?
2. Are you good at what you are doing?
3. Does your job support your core values and beliefs?
4. Can you identify your interests, abilities and skills?
5. Do you match your employer’s work culture?
6. What drives your career?
The good news is that with planning and being honest with yourself you can pursue a satisfying career, one that will make life more enjoyable.
What happened in your career that made you stop what you were doing and make a change?
