Bored with overload? Think of change
COUNTLESS e-mail queries to be answered, meetings, multiple projects, unreasonable deadlines and extreme pressure to increase profits overwhelm the best of professionals. Result? A stressful work environment with little scope for satisfaction.
Those who fail to identify the root cause for their dissatisfaction continue to remain in an unhappy state finding it impossible to find freedom. Only the need for survival forces one to make choices. Determining the kind of work that is satisfying is a critical choice everyone has to make. Innumerable fields are available today so one would think it is easy but the myriad options make it more difficult.
Assess the workplace
If you're feeling discontented and unhappy with the work but unsure why, make an objective assessment of your profile and situation. You might be able to identify the problem, as well as other areas you might fit into.
A frank analysis will bring to light the challenges you are facing. The results will let you isolate a just reason for your wanting a change.
The aggrieved
Some individuals are victims of changing workplaces. They were either laid off or have experienced some discrimination at the workplace but perforce need to continue working there as they're either hesitant to take a career risk or have commitments, which disallow any change.
Jaded and saturated
Many people long for change having worked hard for years in the same organisation.
They are on the lookout for new challenges for fear of stagnation. These people need periodic changes and cannot stay in one organisation for long.
Want to be independent
Do you dream of being on your own or starting a company? This category of people might work on specific projects for many different companies but don't experience a sense of belongingness and ownership.
They want to be their own bosses and dream of working independently without any surveillance.
Be a part of the retirement pool
Those who want to semi-retire or retire from their current work fit this category. Many are asking what they should do with the years ahead. Should they change careers completely, volunteer, scale down the time they spend in their current job or retire completely? These employees want some flexibility in the work they do so they can get some personal time. Most employees of today's generation fall into this category. Burnout and working long hours risking family life is driving this group.
The change process
While assessing change the following steps may come in handy. A three-step process provides strategies to leave your current job and move toward something new or different, or to make changes to your current situation.
Step 1: Overall self-assessment
The first logical step to putting a plan together for your career is to learn and understand your unique values, interests, personality preferences, attitudes and favorite skills. By using this information about yourself as a foundation, you'll be better able to focus your job search or career direction.
Step 2: Explore roadblocks, opportunities
Many obstacles and barriers could prevent you from pursuing a different occupation or changing the way you work. By identifying what's holding you back, you can learn how to get around such roadblocks and exploit other vistas.
Step 3: Create an action plan
An action plan requires thoughtfulness and preparation. While creating your plan requires time and energy, it's a valuable tool for mapping out a new career or revamping your career goals.
The passionate employee
The journey of career change is fascinating and eminently worthwhile for as long as you'd like to do it. Ultimately, you are at your desired destination -- a satisfied and successful employee who can perform well fulfilling individual and organisational expectations and goals.
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