Here are three ways to view your work:
as a job done to earn money to live and do stuff, OR
as a career with stepping stones towards higher recognition and status, OR
as a calling that you find fulfilling and rewarding.
Satisfaction tends to decrease for those who view work as a job and increase for those who see work as a calling - those with a career or calling experience greater intrinsic work motivation, career commitment, and well-being.
Here's how to figure out your perspective on work vs where you want to be:
Identify your approach to work.
Firstly, read the following real-life examples, then take a moment to reflect:
Alex, who joined me on the show this week, saw his role in engineering as necessary for income but became more disinterested in his day job. Although it paid good money, he knew something had to change. He viewed this as his job
A former pro-circuit Triathlete, Sarah Alexander transitioned into consulting at a large global consulting firm. She was committed to stepping up the ladder and learning as much as possible. She views this as her career
After over a decade as a racehorse jockey in Australia, Eleanor battled to make time for uni studies. She muddled through various interim roles before qualifying as a paramedic. Since then, she has loved the fulfilment it brings. She’s found her calling.
Now take a moment to identify your approach to work. Reflect on your motivations, values, and long-term goals. To figure this out, consider how and where you spend your time. Open up the calendar on your phone from last week - who did you spend time with, and what did you do? Another approach is to for the coming week, photograph things you like, make your smile or are memorable. Jot down the key memory from those moments to give you an indication of what you treasure.
Looking for clarity to make this happen? Join my 7-week career transition course to make make the change last!
Figure out what needs to change.
If your current approach to work doesn't match your values and goals, it's time to figure out what isn't working and why. Based on your reflections, identify specific areas where your current approach to work is not aligned with your values and goals. Is it the work itself, the company culture, or the compensation? Pinpointing these areas can help you develop an action plan.
One particular client I've guided through this process works in professional services. After some deep work, they've realised they enjoy their daily tasks but recognise it's the work culture and industry clients they serve that need to change. We've created an action plan to make that shift happen. This is challenging. Contact me to help point you in the right direction and guide you through the best tools and approaches.
Act Act Act
If you've identified what needs to change, create a plan with specific, measurable goals and a time to commit. This could involve seeking new opportunities, developing new skills, or even changing industries & roles. It should be challenging, with success markers along the way. For example, extending your network by attending new events.
It's also important to regularly evaluate your progress and be accountable. Get an accountability partner, like a coach or a mentor, who can bring the right experience to nudge, guide or direct you.
Still trying to figure out the next steps? Want to get some career clarity so you can have the career you've always dreamed of? Let's unleash your second wind and make your work more meaningful.
To figure out your approach to work, reflect on your motivations, values, and long-term goals. If your current approach doesn't match your values and goals, identify specific areas needing change and create a plan with specific goals and a time commitment. Regularly evaluate progress and get an accountability partner to guide you.
Let's unleash your second wind, get in touch: letschat@2ndwind.io
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