Finding Satisfying Work
In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company
would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, high unemployment,
company acquisitions and similar business moves have left people of all
ages out of a job they need to live. But it's not only individuals who
have been turned out of jobs that I want to help. How satisfied are you
in the business you're in? Do you long to do something else with your
career? If so, you're not alone. You have plenty of company in wanting
to change one's goals and focus in life. Studies have shown that working
in a job because you have to, not because you like it, can have some effect
on an individual's life span. Why take years off your life when you don't
have to?
The problem for most people in these situations is that they're not sure
where to start. They've either been tossed into this situation unexpectedly
and are trying to make decisions on the run or they know that they at
least have a pay check, so they postpone thinking about trying to focus
in on a job hunt for something they truly like to do. Well, cheer up!
What you need to do is re-focus, identify the skills you have, narrow
down the type of work you like to do and gather information from prospects
of landing that job that will take you through contentedly into your retirement
years.
This doesn't have to be a long, drawn out process. You can label your
transferable skills and acquire helpful data within a few days! It's not
a year or two effort we're talking about. The secret is knowing where
to look, what to ask and how to narrow down the type of job you'd not
only enjoy, but be pretty good at, too! So much of this is understanding
what makes you tick! Who better to identify this than you? People can
only give you some pointers in doing it, but it will be up to you to take
the time to really analyze what it is you like and want to do. Knowing
your strengths and weaknesses will give you the power to change your life!
What should you ask
I was talking to a young man the other day and we dipped into the area
of his future. He had just finished A’ Levels and was getting ready
to go to university. I asked him what he was planning for the next year
and he answered “University, obviously.” “To do what,”
I asked, to which he replied rather passionately, “Business Science.”
Not wanting to be annoying, I paused before asking why he wanted to do
Business Science. The reasons he gave are:
1. I am passionate about it
2. My Dad is involved in it
3. I did MOB at A’ Level and loved it
While all three replies seemed sufficient, I was on a different mission:
One to find this man’s passion and purpose. In my quest to understand
further, I asked him if he had ever started a business or been involved
in running one. The answer was no but he talked about how he loved it,
not leaving out a few “My Dad”’s in order to put some
authority in his choice. As we were running out of time, I ran three more
questions by him, asking him to answer with the first thought that came
to mind:
1. What do you like doing
2. What are you good at doing
3. What would you do if money wasn’t an issue
He couldn’t answer each conclusively but knew that he likes talking
to people, hates figures! And loves drumming.
Motivated Talents
Find satisfying work begins with asking yourself those three questions:
Satisfying work is really a question of finding the natural talents and
abilities which you love to use. Their characteristics are that they
are:
1. Totally natural – Unforced and unconscious effort
2. Irrepressible – They always finds expression
3. You will enjoy using them and be good at it
Motivation = What we LIKE TO DO naturally
Talent = What we DO WELL naturally
Go.Do.Be
The Solution to a person who is finding it difficult to work in their
current job situation is to:
1. Discover what you are DESIGNED to do
2. Find and maximise activities which help you to express it
3. Minimise everything else
|