CNN (Cable News Network) had an interesting poll on its Internet website on December 28, 2013. The question was: What do you want for your career in 2014?
The results were interesting when taken separately or in combination. The results were:
- Find a new job – 32%
- Get a raise – 30%
- Get a promotion – 25%
- Switch fields – 13%
When looked at in combination with two or more, the results were:
- 55% of those surveyed want to stay with their current company with a raise or promotion
- 45% want to seek another employer in a new job or switch fields
Another way to look at the data is:
- 87% are OK with their current field, but want greater satisfaction with more money or a higher level of responsibility, hopefully in a new job
- 13% are tired of their current field and want to change to another field of work
A third way to look at the survey is:
- 100% of those surveyed are unhappy or dissatisfied in their career and want more
- 0% are happy and satisfied in their career and don’t need anything else
When I think about it, who is going to say, “I don’t want anything else. I’m perfectly satisfied in my current job, without a raise or promotion and I don’t want to change fields to advance my career”.
Such it is with surveys. When asked questions on a survey, it’s easy to spout off answers that positions the responder in a positive way that says, “I’m a high performer who should get more money or promotion in my current or new job”. In reality I wonder how many are really prepared to make the move or take the action necessary to get the rewards.
The follow-up question should be: “What have you done to prepare yourself for an accelerated career in 2014?” Most people will pause for a minute or two without coming up with an answer, or they’ll babble on about why they don’t have a plan. Very few will list the positive actions they are taking to guarantee a bright career move in 2014.
Wishing for an event to happen versus taking action is like wanting to win the lottery without buying a ticket. You can’t be a winner by only dreaming.
Contact Bill Kaufmann as a coach. Send questions or your resume for a free evaluation to: mygreenerfuture1@cox.net Check Bill’s e-book: http://www.createspace.com/3884487