Where were you born? Who are you? How old are you? ... the simplest ... can result in the most complex answers ... upon the various stages in our lives.If you were to pose these ques
Where were you born? Who are you? How old are you? Sometimes the simplest questions can result in the most complex answers depending upon the various stages in our lives.
If you were to pose these questions to the average person on the street, you might receive a variety of answers ranging from a geographical location to their detailed resume. The sad truth is that most people identify themselves by what they do as opposed to who they are. As a result, it is very difficult for individuals to take inventory of their skills and talents when contemplating a career change or lifestyle shift.
Because so many individuals identify themselves by their careers, their
definitions change as the corporate climate changes. In an age where
downsizing and outsourcing have become the norm, individuals are being forced to reevaluate their lives and careers and seek fulfillment independent of the corporate environment. For those who have worked within the same industry for ten or more years, this can result in a major culture shock. When you've been defined by your employer for so long, what are you to do when the relationship has been severed without your concurrence?
For those who are fortunate enough to make the decision to change careers of their own accord, the process begins long before change is attempted. They become clock-watchers. They begin calling in sick. They develop an eye disease. You know the one where they couldn't see themselves coming into the office that day. All are just symptoms of the overall problem - job dissatisfaction.
Whether or not change is being forcibly placed upon an individual, there are steps that you can take to make the career transition easier.
. Recognize the signs before the situation becomes out of control. Stress-related ailments such as neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches, etc. are signs that the situation is demanding to be recognized.
. Acknowledge that a change is needed. You cannot change what you refuse to accept.
. Start taking steps to either improve or leave your current situation.
. Take inventory of your skills - not just the on-the-job ones. Also, look at your overall talents like organizational and communication skills, detail-orientation, etc. If you're unable to fairly assess your talents, ask friends and family for positive feedback.
. If you've reached the point of desperation, it may be difficult to fairly assess your current situation but you can look over previous positions and identify your likes and dislikes.
. Seek the services of a life coach to help you regain balance and focus before, during and after the transition process.
The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one having these feelings. Professional help is available if you are willing to take that first step and ask for it.
