So You Want or Need a New Job?

Some of my clients are job-seekers who don't have a current position but most are currently employed but dissatisfied. Here are a few starter questions or comments, regardless which arena they are in:

• Tell me what you love. What you really love to do. Don't worry about the monetary aspects, for now, just talk about what you enjoy doing with your time.
• Now, let's see if there are ways we can make your loves part of your daily life. It may be through full-time, part-time or volunteer work but let's make it happen in some capacity. Work with trusting and supportive friends on this brainstorm or bring a coach in to help you. But don't give up on making the things you love part of your daily "work".
• Remember that volunteers often become employees. If non-profit is your thing, volunteer for the place you want to work. Show them your talents and passions. Have patience and then pair it with a little persistence talking to the right people in the organization. Soon, you'll likely be working in the place that you were a volunteer and doing work that you were cut out to do.
• Consider if now is a good time to take a part-time program at your local college for a new degree or certificate in a new field or one that will elevate your current status. You can always make time for the things that are important- so don't worry about where the time will come from. You'll find it if its a priority.
• Do one of your friends do something you have interest in? Have you always been curious what their workday looks and feels like, really?  Why not ask them to allow you to shadow them for a week. Consider it an alternative vacation. Maybe you'll discover your next career.
• Now, consider money. Consider making less. I know you didn't want to hear that but this is more likely than the opposite if you really want to step out and do something you love. At least for the first couple of years. It's a trade off but its well worth it. I've done it myself and it was life-altering and "freeing". If you have a financial planner sit down with him/her and figure out how you can live on 1/2 of what you currently make. Yes, I said half!  If that doesn't work, let me do it for you. You may not like me afterwards but I'm sure I can find ways to cut and reduce your spending. Remember, this is about finally doing something you enjoy doing- you may need to revisit many of your lifestyle choices. If you can't bear to do that - well then you might be doing just fine in your current line of work or waiting for that big lottery win.
• Join a business group or social club- one with more than 50 members is a good measure. The point of doing this is to sample a variety of jobs that exist in your area. You may find yourself saying, "You get paid for that?"  I once worked for a military contractor and one of my projects was to learn a massive-multi player online game (Never Winter Nights) and teach it to Marines to evaluate generalization in weaponry resourcing and overall warfare training! (And, the irony there is I hate video games!)