I’ve been so many places in my life and time
I’ve sung a lot of songs, I’ve made some bad rhyme
I’ve acted out my life in stages, with ten thousand people watching
But we’re alone now, and I’m singing this song for you
Not to date myself, I saw Leon Russel perform this song at the Nassau Coliseum over 30 years ago. And like the song, I’ve made some bad rhyme…Or have I? For sanity’s sake, I’ve chosen to view many of my decisions as stepping stones on the road to something better. Whether I am an eternal optimist or just a plain old Polyanna, I believe that when I view my past decisions as being bad or wrong I am rejecting a part of myself. Every decision I’ve ever made has brought me to my current place and time. Therefore, I am launching this blog with a few ideas on preparing for a rewarding career or job change.
Everyday I coach people who are faced with difficult decisions about their lives and careers. Good, smart people, who want to improve their lives. Some are anxious to get to the next stage of their careers while others are so paralyzed by the thought of change that they can’t get out of the starting gate. Regardless of where you are emotionally, change takes time and is most effective when made a step at a time.
Like a storm that is brewing change is precipitated has its own signs. Come Monday morning, you might feel an ache in the pit of your stomach because things are not the same at office. Perhaps you find yourself arriving later and leaving earlier because you no longer feel challenged. Your organization might be in the process of restructuring and you find yourself wondering how long it will be before you’re included in the exodus. Perhaps you’ve recently experienced a major life event such as the birth of a child or have entered a new decade of your life. Whatever the catalyst, it is okay, even healthy to stretch yourself. The trick is to be clear as to your intention.
Wilkipedia defines intention as a course of action that a person intends to follow. Miriam Webster defines it as 1. Determination to act in a certain way; 3. What one intends to do or bring about. Before you start sending out résumés, I advise you to answer the following questions:
- What will a career or job change mean to you?
- What do you want more of in your next position?
- Where do you see yourself one year from now? Two years? Five?
- Are your goals S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible?
Gaining clarity is only the first step on the road to a new career. If you have made or are contemplating a career or job change I invite you to share your comments here.
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One Comment
Per eWeek, a recently released Gartner research report concluded that three of the four traditional pillars of work – the living wage, long-term relationship with loyal employers and company provided pensions have already disappeared, leaving only the 40 hour workweek. Yet with the rise of the Blackberry, seems like the 40 hour workweek is growing, not shrinking. If people are able to work from home but they’re still expected to be available during non work hours, is this progress?