CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Sizing Up Your Job

If you are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with your job, what’s the reason? You’ll want to answer that question before starting a search for new employment. Otherwise, you could end up in a situation with similar problems but without the familiarity of a long - standing position. To help clarify your satisfaction with your professional situation, ask yourself these questions:

• Am I happy with my work?
• Am I challenged by my work?
• Is there opportunity for me to advance?
• Am I satisfied with my benefits?
• How do I feel about my office location, hours of work and co-workers?
• Am I paid fairly?
• Is my job too stressful?

Once you’ve answered these questions honestly and thoroughly, ask yourself whether you’re willing to try to make the current situation work. What can you do to contribute to the solution? If you’re unhappy or unchallenged, could you work with your supervisor to re - align some of your duties? Could a seminar or class at a community college give you new ways to think about the job?

If you’re concerned about advancement, are there classes you could take within your company on management training or job diversification? Could you volunteer for extra projects to show you can handle the responsibility?

If pay, benefits, or both are an issue, perhaps a frank but polite talk with your supervisor is in order.

If stress is affecting your life both on and off the job, perhaps a stress - reduction class at your local hospital or a few private sessions with a qualified counselor could help you put the situation in perspective.

If, after some soul - searching, you decide you need to make a break from your current situation, proceed with caution. In most cases, you’re better off quietly beginning the job search while still enjoying the pay and benefits of your existing job. The fact that you’ve decided to move on - and that you’re looking at your current situation as temporary - might make the workplace more bearable until you’re ready to leave.

What Now?

If you’ve decided that a job change is ahead, look at it as an opportunity. Here’s your chance to advance professionally and move closer to your career objective or to redirect your skills and experience. Ask yourself where you want to be in your profession in one year, five years and 10 years. Then, to make sure you’re on track, take a moment to write down your strong points as well as your employment preferences.

• What are my strengths?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• How do I want to spend my day - in an office, on the road, outdoors?
• What type of hours do I like to keep?
• What type of work can I get the most satisfaction from while still earning sufficient income?
• Am I willing to commute?
• Do I like to work with people, computers, books, animals, plants?
• Do I mind (or would I miss) business travel?
• Is my resume up - to - date?

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