Career headache these days? Wish you had the magic pill that would make it go away?
With layoffs and cutbacks, it's takes more effort to be positive about the future. But no matter where you are, or what you are going through in your career right now, know that you are not at the bottom. And, that you are not alone. Trust that your time and experience have not been wasted. They're just being under utilized at the moment.
During the late nineties, our careers seemed more certain. We worked hard and we got promoted. Promotion led to more money. Money led to a secure future. But now we are dipping into our savings to pay our bills, and we are wondering what happened to our bright future.
So How Can You Can You Recognize That You Are Not At The Bottom, So You Can Continue Your Climb To The Top? Follow These Steps:
1. Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
Comparison is the root of all suffering. Everyone has a hard-luck career story to tell, so you are not the only one. Comparing yourself to your peers or where you think you are supposed to be in your career, is self defeating and unproductive. Stop this now.
2. Realize That You Are More Than Your Career
And, you are more than the balance in your bank account. Have you tied your self worth into what you do for a living? Recognizing that your career is a part of who you are, but not the entire picture is one of the greatest gift you can give yourself. Yes, you have responsibilities, and people who are counting on you, but you also have a duty to be nice to you. This is what the people in your life really want for you anyway.
3. Focus On How Grateful You Are For What You Do Have
It is easy to think that where you are in career today will be where you will end up tomorrow. There is no truth to this even though it feels real at the moment. This time in your career is only a small piece of a bigger picture. Focus in on how lucky you are to have your health, a family, great friends, etc. Remind yourself that you truly are blessed.
4. You Take Time To Investigate Your Passion
It's not about starting over. It's about doing something in your career that gives you meaning and purpose. What's your passion? What inspires you? Yes, you have letters to mail, and people to call, but if your life is purely about logistics, it will not be that fulfilling. If you have some time these days, make the best use of it. Spend part of your day investigating a career you would really love.
5. Get Into Action No Matter What
Take action even if you don't know what to do. Not knowing can be a blessing in disguise. Look at the steps you have taken up to this point. What has worked or not worked? Write down the specific actions you have not taken and the actions you will take going forward. Goals are reached one action at a time. You can talk about taking reaching your goals or you can take the necessary actions that will get you there. The choice is up to you. (And, if you don't want to tackle your career alone, call a coach!)
6. You Take Time For Yourself
Worrying won't get you where you want to be any quicker. And, worrying is not the best use of your time. You might as well be productive and take some of that worrying time for yourself. How else will you take control of the task at hand?
So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love!