“If there is no passion in
your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it
may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things
happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you”. – Alan Armstrong
If
you have passion for what you do, your day will not seem like work at
all. Sadly, most do not and we have a sort of epidemic in our nation
today – an epidemic of a disengaged workforce who are not passionate
about the work they do. In fact, recent studies point to 71% of workers
being not engaged in the work they perform, and therefore, not happy in
their career.
At the same time, the job market is
changing. People are now faced with making career choice decisions that
their parents never were faced with. It is referred to as re-careering
or more simply, making a late –career-stage change. For some, this
strikes fear – but it should not.
Re-careering is really a
new buzz word for career change. What’s different is the type of
careers people are opting for, the number of career changes one
undergoes, the process and the "new terms" people want to work with -- their own terms this time.
Oftentimes
re-careering is connected to baby boomers who seek new work options
after a successful career in a job or industry. Other times we hear of
people who have spent 10-15-20 years in one job and just want a new and
complete change. Some have owned businesses and sold or closed them, and
seek a new opportunity.
Still others are faced with a
career “defining moment” – their industry is impacted by changing or
advancing technology, competition, corporate downsizing or other
career-defining moments (when one’s career direction or job undergoes
change -- normally not on their terms). For others, a career-defining
moment may be changes in their company, their relationship to their boss
or a change in their lifestyle (elder care needs, physical requirements
et al).
Many others just lose their passion in what they have
been doing. What was fulfilling is no longer. The job becomes work – not
delivering value any longer. When devoid of passion for what you do,
you go through the motions – growth stops.
Changing Generations
Older
generations likely worked in one job or industry for their entire
career and then retired. Changing careers was frowned upon. When I told
my father-in-law that I was leaving my job to open my own business --
with no income or clients -- he thought I was nuts (he did come around
and was so helpful and supportive).
The millenniums, X,
Y, and boomer generations are different. We will change-it-up when
feeling discontented, bored or "been there, done that.” It is not
unusual to undergo two-three-four re-careers -- or reinventions over the
course of one’s working life. We seek work that is on our terms --
that provides the right setting, interaction with people, rewards and
opportunities that fit interests, personality and values.
It
has been said many times and is so true -- people fail in jobs or
careers not because they cannot do the job, but rather, the job or
career just doesn't "fit" them (more about fit further on). If you are
feeling this way, it is time to re-career and reinvent yourself.
Taking the first step toward Re-Careering
Once
you have made the decision to seek a new direction and change (the most
difficult hurdle as most people are fearful of failing in a new career
--- and that can be immobilizing) you are ready for the first step and
seeking the answer to the most difficult question:
What do I want to do next, or
What do I want to be when I “grow up” …
This
is the most difficult step -- discovering what you want to do next in
your career, and many turn to career transition specialists to help with
this critical assessment. Others opt to do it on their own using
web-based sources or other tools.
Successful career matching is found by evaluating four factors: Personality, Interest, Temperament and of course, Reality
of your situation which includes skills, education, income
requirements, geography etc. With an understanding of the four critical
factors, you can be matched against successful career profiles to find
the ideal matches that “fit” you. You may have heard in the past “square
peg in a round hole” when describing a co-worker or someone that just
didn’t make it in a job. It’s not that they were a bad person – they
just didn’t fit the job, career or maybe the company.
Follow you passion
But
that is just the beginning – discovering what you are passionate about
is just as critical. You may be passionate about helping others – or
giving back to the community – or want to turn a hobby or interest into a
career --- follow your passion and truly enjoy what you do. It has been
said many times – if you follow your passion, you will never “work”
another day in your life.
Do not fear re-careering or
career change. Embrace it as a new beginning and new opportunity to do
what you want, on your terms and for your benefit. It’s not selfish – it
is just the right thing to do for yourself, your family and those you
associate with.
Change it up! Find your passion! And thank you for reading this. - Dan
Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
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