When I was in my late 20s, I started asking myself what I really wanted to “be when I grew up.” I hoped and believed that I was not the only person to feel that way, so I started reading books, taking classes and making up exercises. Eventually I created a course to help others who were wondering the same thing. At the time I didn’t have any “real” teaching experience, was unemployed and had no idea exactly how I was going to do this. So I just tried anything I could think of. I called people I knew and asked for contacts and ideas, researched what to include in my course proposal.
I then made “cold calls” and sent my proposal to NYU, Columbia University, and The Learning Annex – in less than 7 months that “proposal” became a successful seminar, called “How to Turn Your Passion into Your Profession,” which I taught at NYU for more than a decade!
If you are feeling frustrated in your current job or profession you are not alone. Throughout our lives, we all have periods where we seek more from our work. So as you wonder what “that thing” is that you were born to do (and be) - here are seven things to inspire you to do to create change and to remind you that you not the only one to feel this way.
1. Unhappiness on the job affects 25% of the American work force according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Happiness is a choice not a circumstance. Challenge yourself to find three things that you look forward to every day even if one is the coffee guy who always greats you with a smile or remembers your name.
[] 2. 25% of people view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Develop routine ways like exercise, meditation, or even deep breathing to relieve stress you experience in and outside of work.
3. The book The Power of Uniqueness reveals that 70% of people are neither motivated nor competent to perform the basics of their job. Alter the parts of your job that you can change. For example, if you normally return calls at the end of day when you’re tired and mentally checked out - return them on the morning when you’re fresh and have more energy.
4. 43% percent of employees feel anger toward their employers often or very often as a result of being overworked according to the New York Families and Work Institute. Find constructive ways to discuss your workload and how it’s affecting you with your boss.
However, when you bring up the topic, first take time to think of what he/she might be able to do to rectify the situation. Remember, it’s easy to complain about what doesn’t work but far more effective to offer a possible solution to every problem you bring to the table.
5. 70% of us dread Monday’s and dream of Fridays. No one wants the weekend to end but there is a big difference between dread and disappointment. If you dread your job - start doing just one thing every day to work toward getting a new one.
6. According to a recent Gallop poll only 13% of the American workforce are emotionally invested in helping their organization improve/achieve its goals. You spend at least160 hours a month working; shouldn’t it be related to something you believe in or that interests you.
7. Most people - 80% according to a Deloitte shift index survey - “hate” or are dissatisfied with their jobs. Know what you’re great at and work toward doing it. Remember, if you don’t have a passion there are plenty of people who will hire you to work toward theirs.
Many people don’t like their current job but only a few muster the courage to change careers. This week make the decision to drop the “grin and bear it” attitude and embrace an “I can find or create my dream job” point of view. Try just one thing a day … make a call, connect with a former boss on LinkedIn or talk to a mentor or therapist. One slight mind shift and one simple action can help you become one of the 20% of people who find love and purpose in what they do.
Stepping away from an issue or problem and looking at it from a different angle is useful. I think it also makes us happier, healthier and more efficient people.
Regardless of industry, you need to first identify and then communicate a consistent and distinct professional brand. Often, all you need is just a simple phrase or even a couple of words that can effectively communicate who you are and what you do (i.e., your brand). Let’s say you’ve worked for a few years in internal communications and you are making a segway into TV production – your brand may be a “master storyteller.” Or perhaps you work in IT or Project Management helping organize processes or correct other people’s problems, so your brand is an “organizer of chaos” or the “fixer.”