Are you happy in your work? Looking for a change?
So you've decided that's it! you've just had it with your job and you want something else. Now you have the question....what's the something else?
Most people know what they don't want but not many know exactly what they do actually want. To decide what you want to do, be, have in your work, you really need to know yourself, otherwise you'll end up with another job that doesn't fit.
Just because you're good at something it doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy doing it every single day. There are questions about yourself, and your career and workplace values to be considered. Actually, the more you know about yourself, the better you will handle interviews. Knowing your strengths and knowing why you are the best person for the job will support you if you get stuck on a technical or knowledge question. You are the best person to do the work because it's exactly right for you, and you for it.
So, how well do you know yourself? Have a good think about these:
I am happiest when ..... I am good at ..... I like to learn by ..... my strengths and weaknesses are ..... I'd like to be better at ..... people who know me would describe me as .... I care about .... I want to start .... stop .... keep .... have/do more of .....
Below is a list of examples of career and workplace values to consider. What work do I want to do, how do I work best, who do I want to work with, what working environment suits me best? Add your own ideas to the list, and mark everything out of 10. If you don't know, then you have more thinking to do, and maybe see a coach or consultant. Realistically, it's difficult to find the perfect job, but at least know what is most important to you.
Financial independence, high salary
Self-employment. Be my own boss
Job security
Like to take a risk.
Leadership: supervising and managing others
Supported and supervised by a team leader
Autonomy and independence. Working and making decisions on my own.
Overcoming challenges. performing tasks that are difficult or new to me
Helping others: individuals or group
Helping society: contributing to the betterment of the world
Prestige: having high standing in the community/society
Continual learning. Personal development
Peaceful work life: low pressure. Enjoy an easy job
Opportunities for internal career progression/ promotion.
High pressure work
Acknowledgement, recognition from leaders and colleagues.
Achievement: doing work that yields results
Making full use of your education and work experience to do your job
Variety: undertaking different tasks
Creativity and artistic expression: using your own ideas and talents
Personal/private quiet working space
Open plan working space. Noisy environment with a lot of colleagues
Multi-national. Opportunities to travel with work.
Non-profit/ community organisation
High profit, high achieving company
Small family business
Workplace relationships: an understanding by leaders of emotional intelligence and appropriate behaviour
Organised outside activities with work colleagues
A working environment that has good conditions. Staff support, handbook etc
Influence: having the opportunity and ability to affect other people's opinions and ideas
Location: close to home/travel time
Flexible hours; work/life balance; time away from work to follow interests and leisure activities
Collaboration/team work: working with others
Fun and enjoyable environment
Working with like-minded people. Finding my ‘tribe’
