In the present economy it may be difficult to consider being in charge of your career. I hear people tell me all the time, "I am just happy to have a job in this economy." The tenor of fear in the air is contagious as people are holding on to what they have and spending less. Some of my clients come to me asking for guidance on preparing for a job search even though they still have a job...."just in case." We address these challenges together by creating networking strategies and job search techniques. However, some of my clients have a completely different take in this present economic climate: it has inspired them to re-examine their lives, their jobs, and ultimately search for a career path that provides true meaning and purpose in their lives.
The winter solstice is upon us and a new year has begun. Rosemary Roberts in10 Minute Celtic Spirituality (Fair Winds Press, 2003) describes the solstice as the following, "it was a festival of peace to celebrate the coming of the light." Why not explore this notion of peace and light into your own lives and create the next phase of your life journey through exploring what you really love and want to do, rather than being scared to live? Being gentle with yourself is the peace, and exploring new paths of your journey is the light that shines in front of you to provide you with the clarity to find your life purpose and authentic vocation (Marcia Bench, 2008).
The following tips are not just ideas and thoughts that may be useful in exploring life purpose and authentic vocation, but these are also characteristics many of my clients possess who are further exploring what drives and motivates them along their paths.
Eight tips for putting yourself in the driver's seat:
1. Think of yourself as self-employed. This will put you in the driver's seat as you will consider yourself as a valuable commodity in your present job or job that you are seeking. When you think of yourself this way, you will begin to experience a sense of ownership of yourself in your job that will provide you the energy to negotiate rather than placate.
1. Think of yourself as self-employed. This will put you in the driver's seat as you will consider yourself as a valuable commodity in your present job or job that you are seeking. When you think of yourself this way, you will begin to experience a sense of ownership of yourself in your job that will provide you the energy to negotiate rather than placate.
2. Value yourself. This is important, particularly if you want to stay in your present job. Know what your worth and don't discount what you do. Be your own best-friend, and remember that any past loyalty that you have had to your employer will be moot once the going gets tough.
3. Network Network Network!!!! Even the most introverted person can network. Talk to everyone and find out who knows whom among your own network. You never know who you may meet. Eighty percent of jobs are found in the unpublished job market and one way to find these jobs is through networking. If you think you are an introvert, then approach networking as if you are conducting research and acquiring information. Don't say, "Do you know of any jobs in your company?" Instead, get to know folks and let them get to know you. Find out what they do, what their company does, and let them know what you do.
4. The unpublished job market. Many people do not even know that the unpublished job market exists. What is the unpublished job market? These are jobs that are "not" published in newspapers, trade magazines, and the internet. These are jobs that may not even be created yet but once a hiring manager meets you he or she may decide that it is time to create this position. How do you find out about these jobs? Through networking, as mentioned above, informational interviews, and targeted letters to hiring managers.
5. Brand yourself. Highlight your most marketable attributes in your resume, changing your resume as necessary for each job you apply for. There a variety of resumes such as the chronological, functional, and the executive resume. Find out which one is best for you and for each job situation.
6. There is abundance even in a recession. Keep this concept in mind as it will keep you positive and draw opportunities your way. If you remain or become negative and think that there is nothing else out there besides what you already have then you are setting yourself up to fail. When you open yourself up to the possibilities and potentials out in the world, they will come your way....it's called the Law of Attraction. There is enough out there for everyone.
7. Ask yourself, if you were to only live another six months, what would you do with the rest of your life? Asking this question can provide you with a perspective that you may have never taken before. It will allow you the opportunity to explore what really matters to you while realizing that life is short and stop brushing aside what is really important.
8. Self-care. Surround yourself with positive people. Engage with a support group and have meaningful relationships. Exercise, meditate, learn for an hour every day, and do whatever it takes to give yourself the balance of emotional, mental and physical health you require to maintain a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook so you too can take charge of your career and drive it into the direction that you want it to go in.
By Kit Samuels
By Kit Samuels
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