Are you unhappy with your career? Here are some examples of real people in the wrong place:
A technology whiz-kid is gifted in designing new applications and systems but is in a job that only maintains current programs. He needs a better fit.
Sally loves to work with numbers and would be perfect in the accounting or tax world. But she’s currently Supervisor of Customer Service in retail, and she’s not a people-person!
Over half of the MBA’s I taught wanted a change from their major in college and initial job. The reality was different from what they thought the work would be.
John is a dynamic sales person gifted in developing new business. Unfortunately he’s stuck in a business that is shrinking with no opportunity to grow.
These insights may be helpful. Answer them honestly:
If you had a more effective boss, would you perform at a higher level?
If you were with a new company, doing similar work, would your satisfaction be greater?
If you had a new location and co-workers, doing similar work, would that solve the issue?
If you were promoted to a supervisor over your current position, would that be better?
It seems so easy to see other people’s issues. Not so easy when looking in the mirror:
Do an honest assessment of your strength and weaknesses. Describe the things that give you joy. What areas of work do you excel?
Ask yourself what should you really be doing in your career? Be honest but realistic.
Talk to people who are already doing what you think you’d like to do. Find the good, bad and ugly parts. What industry/function would you perform at your highest?
Find out how to qualify for your new direction. A 50-year-old salesman becoming a CPA is not in the cards. Test out your ideas to see if your goal is realistic.
Put a workable plan together. Test out that plan with the people who are already doing it. They can tell you whether your goal is possible for you or not.
Find a way to experience the function you think you want. Do small consulting jobs, part-time work, or even volunteer at a non-profit organization where you can “test” your skills.
No single answer can solve all of your problems, but a good strategy will help. Leaving a job is like a divorce as it may be painful. There may be a good rationale not to change: You may be too young or too old, too many family issues, too much to lose financially, lack of abilities or skills in other types of work. You need to sort that out.
On the other hand, you should talk with someone. You need a person who is objective and experienced in these matters. Contact a mentor or email me for a free consultation and objective input!
Want a free assessment of your resume? wkaufmann44@gmail.com
Ready to test the market? Email to: mygreenerfuture1@gmail.com