|
Typically when an individual is hired to work for a company there is a specific role that they are expected to fill. This is usually accompanied by a job description that outlines specific tasks associated with that role.
So why is it that so many individuals are unhappy in their chosen profession? According to a U.S. Census Bureau report almost half (49 percent) of the nation’s businesses are operated from home. (U.S. Census Bureau News; Released September 27, 2006). I would categorize such an individual as one who grew tired of the beurocratic and political structure that often exists in corporations. Perhaps they took a personality test and realized that they had attributes of a Percieving individual , who is someone that (plans on the go, or Instinctively avoid commitments which interfere with flexibility, freedom, and variety). For more on identifying your personality type go to http://www.personalitypathways.com .
So now that we have identified a significant segment of society that chooses to operate as a employeer as opposed to an employee let’s discuss you. For the sake of this discussion let’s even create an accronymn for you. Lets call it Your Operating Universe, or essentially the place that encompasses who you are and how you respond. Are you someone that does not feel empowered or inspired at your current job? Why is that? Getting a new job is often akin to purchasing a new outfit. When you first step into that position you are excited and reason within your mind that this could be a career move. Perhaps arriving to work early is the mode of operation for the first few months. After all if you want a promotion you need to get there early right? So what happens once you get past month three or four? Where does that drive and tenacity go? I believe what happens is that psychologically just as a shopper get’s buyer’s remorse, we often fall prey to job or commitment remorse. Not that we don’t want to work because even a child knows it takes money to purchase things. What I believe happens is that usually we don’t chose a job based on our personality, but rather our present need. Those needs could range from the financial or benefits package to a flexible schedule.
So, if this is our reasoning and mode of operation then when either the intensity of the need changes, or a percieved better opportunity comes along we move on right? As matter of fact sometimes it is simply a feeling of dissatisfaction about our job that causes us to leave. Remember the last time you came home and said to your partner, “I hate my job, why is it that my boss does not care about my feelings and is always putting unreasonable pressure on me?” Does that conversation sound remotely familiar? Obviously each person will express that sentiment differently but the basic premise is usually the same. If you leave that job due to dissatisfaction you go through the whole job application process again. There you are, standing in line waiting for an interview, sitting down with an interviewer in a starchy suit, and smiling like you are “Speed dating!” Hmmm…there has to be a better way.
Here are a few suggested rules for becoming an empowered employee in the 21st Century.
- Take an MBTI Personality test at the following website http://www.personalitypathways.com/MBTI_org-dev.html or a similar site.
- Use the results of the MBTI combined with your natural areas of interest to compile a list of dream jobs.
- Structure your resume and references to fit the specific job you are applying for.
- If you don’t currently have enough experience in an area consider a short term internship. This will provide you with experience and a great refference.
- If you have access to working capital (amount depends on business type), you might consider starting your own company.
- If you are part of the 51% of individuals who does receive gainful employment with a company understand your role. Perhaps you simply want to move up from fry monitor to crew leader. Then what you need to do is ask a supervisor what the pre-requisites are and begin to accomplish them one by one. But be forewarned never try to operate as a crew leader without first having the official title. It is a recipe for disaster!
- Finally, have fun. Your personality becomes contagious especially when you are having fun. Don’t base having fun on the attitude of the people around you but rather be self empowered. Have the ability to say, “No matter what happens I am going to enjoy this day and live in the moment.” If someone is frustrated and directs some insensitive comment to you don’t take it personal. Since they don’t personally know you, obviously their comments express a deep rooted sense of their own disatisfaction with their life. Hmm…maybe you could print them a copy of this article.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed