Do You Have the Career Change Blues? Don't be Dismayed!
By: Brian M Murray, MS, IMH
An unsatisfying career can be a real downer leading to
wanting to do something different in life. A career change can be a daunting
task and taking into account the many factors as to why a change is needed can
seem overwhelming at times. Forbes Magazine reported that Right Management
conducted a one month survey from April to May in 2012 on job satisfaction.
Only 19% of the 411 respondents reported job satisfaction. Wow, 79% do not like
their jobs.
Let’s throw in some more factors. A sluggish economy creates
a power shift that in some ways can leave a dissatisfied employee feeling stuck
in a job they don’t like. Poor cash flow equals no raises or promotions and
some companies have resorted to some extreme measures that if a person is so
much as 5 minutes late to work they be fired. This begins to create more of a
survival mentality of endurance than a real career challenge. The thinking gets
changed from “what can I do next to further my career” to “what else is
realistically possible that I can do, I hope I don’t lose my job.”
Feeling stuck, tired, beat up, worn out, used and no
advancement or feeling like there is any place to go can begin to feel
depressing, or like a case of the blues. The truth is there are some things a
person can do to change their situation. It does not have to be hopeless, in
fact, turning things around and taking control of a career can be empowering. This
is about turning things around and taking control of the career and being the
one in control as opposed to being controlled.
If you find yourself in a job or career and do not like it
then it might be time to make a plan. In the book Stephen Covey’s 7 Principles
of Highly Effective People, it’s time to put first things first and begin with
the end in mind. Ask this question, “Where
am I going and what is it going to take to get there?” In many ways this is
like taking a journey. It requires some brainstorming to find out what
resources are required. Some trips take longer than others and this is where
the planning becomes useful, it becomes like a personal guide to help stay on
track, to not lose the path. Create small goals leading to larger goals and
celebrate them along the way. Have some rewards in place as part of the
planning as this helps create encouragement instead of trudging forward in what
can seem like a daunting task.
One final note, be flexible. Allow for changes as unforeseen
conditions can throw plans off track and at times create uncertainty. The
advantage of being the one who is driving the career change is the planning can
be changed at any time to meet current needs. The idea is to keep moving even
at times when it seems impossible. There is a difference between struggle and
quitting. Quitting is permanent, struggle means a person is still striving for
the goal. Be flexible, allow for change along the path, keep an eye on the
prize, and if the final goal changes along the way, that is okay too. Sometimes
taking a journey can somehow bring about clarity in life about what is really
important.
About the author- Brian M Murray is a devoted professional helping to empower
people and overcoming difficult obstacles in life. He is a Registered Mental
Health Counselor Intern located in Orlando and Winter Park Florida working as a
counselor in a private practice setting at The LifeWorks Group.
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