Taking Inventory
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.