So you want out? You want a new job but don’t know where to start? Got it.
You’re likely experiencing the very uncomfortable pairing of:
OVERWHELM
The feelings are strong. You want a new job so badly that it becomes difficult to do anything about it. You spend a lot of time daydreaming about how your days could be different but you don’t do a lot about it.
LONELINESS
Daydreaming about leaving your job is a solitary experience. It's a steep mountain to climb - a hike you have go on ALL BY 'YOSELF. I feel ya.
THE GOOD NEWS
You CAN get out of professional paralysis and DO something about it. You can stop hibernating in your mind and move into action with some work. I recommend the following steps to all my coaching clients to bring about some insight into their career exploration:
- Do an inventory of what’s working and what’s not
Consider this your “compare and contrast” exercise from elementary school. A T-chart, perhaps?
On one side, list what you like about your current job. On the other side, what you don't.
Elaborate and expand:
Why don’t you like that anymore? Did you once enjoy it? What happened?
- Interview yourself
Unlike the real thing, this won’t cause any heart palpitations. The purpose is to look closely at what isn't working. When we understand "WHY", we are less likely to repeat old behaviours (and accept a job you'll regret).
Ask yourself:
When did you last feel really frustrated?
Where were you?
Who was there?
What about this interaction was upsetting?
Why do you think you reacted this way?
How will you use this experience to inform your job search?
A real life example. Not naming any names, of course.
When did you last feel really frustrated? In my weekly one-on-one meeting.
Where were you? My manager’s office.
Who was there? Uh, my manager.
What about this interaction was upsetting? She talked over me.
Why do you think you reacted this way? I’m tired of being condescended to. She doesn’t recognize how hard I’m working or appreciate the time I’m putting in. I’m over it.
How will you use this experience to inform your job search? …
A final word
More than anyone, I understand that wanting a different job but not knowing where to turn s-u-c-k-s. I feel you! In fact, I know this so well that I designed a coaching program, Find Your Path, to help you navigate your career with ease. Find Your Path is especially geared toward those who are ready to (1) understand what they want from their career, (2) establish an action plan, and (3) gain confidence along the way!
Want to know what's next? Once you've gone through the exercises listed above, send me an email or schedule a consultation call (it’s free!)