In a recent workplace study conducted by Mental Health America, 70% of Americans want to change their job. Is this one of your New Year’s Resolutions?
While there are certainly times when it’s right for us to look for something different, sometimes we focus too much on what is wrong with a job rather than on what is right. At times, we all feel we should get more praise, are ready for a promotion, or wish we had a different boss. My current period of time, without a job, has helped me see some of the intrinsic benefits of the working world that go beyond compensation, title, and bosses. Regardless of your job status – enjoying your current role, aching for a different job, searching for work, or taking a break from the workforce for whatever reason -- recognizing these four life benefits that we often receive through a job might call you to spend time strengthening them.
COMPANIONSHIP
One of the first comments I often hear from people out of work is that no one calls them anymore. I’ve heard retirees say, “no one cares what I think”, and I’ve heard those laid-off wonder why the phone doesn’t ring. Loneliness can be a serious problem (severe enough that Britain created a cabinet minister position to address it -- if you want to check your loneliness levels, click here). Work forces us to engage with others, virtually or in person. Work creates companionship. Some of the people we work with will become friends, others are merely acquaintances, a few will drive us crazy, but they all provide us with the necessary human experience of connection. When we don’t go to an office, we can spend too much time alone, fretting about solitude. If we are not employed or we work virtually, then we must strive to replace that companionship. Initiative is needed: an action plan helps. Cast aside the negative thought: why is it always me who has to reach out? Instead, let’s recognize the empowerment that comes from creating communities, finding like-minded spirits, and deepening friendships. Pick up the phone and call someone!
GROWTH
The highest level on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is self-actualization, the recognition and fulfillment of our talents and potentialities. Through daily challenges at the office, we are given the opportunity to step into our potential, to use our talents, to pursue growth. We try out new skills; we are forced to problem-solve. When we step out of the workplace or when we have outgrown a job, we can stagnate. We spend our days pursuing a new job (important) or doing busywork (usually not so important). Whether employed or not, we need to invest in ourselves, grow our skills, tap into our creativity, push ourselves to learn something new or deepen our understanding of our favorite topics. Does your place of employment offer you the type of growth you want? If you are not currently working, are you pursuing growth? There are hundreds of nonprofits that would benefit from you volunteering, thousands of free online classes, millions of books in the library. All waiting, just for you. Personal and professional development are inside jobs.
SECURITY AND STRUCTURE
Security and structure make it possible to explore new opportunities. When we feel supported and secure, we know what to expect, and as a result, we worry less. The regularity of the daily commute and workplace meetings create a structure that push us forward -- no need to think, just get on with it. And the deposit of a bimonthly salary and healthcare benefits provide a sense of security, both financial and personal. Does your work environment provide the right kind of security and structure for you? If not employed, how do you create these two key concepts for yourself? We have to create our own structure to keep us on track, providing us with the ability to know that we are “just fine” and therefore able pursue that which makes us happy. And we must create our own financial and personal security, so we feel safe to explore new opportunities and pursue our full potential.
PURPOSE
Perhaps the most fulfilling benefit of the right job is the sense of it creates purpose. When you are in alignment, you feel talented and positive about your output. This may be in helping others, in creating a collaborative office culture, in problem-solving, or in expressing creativity. We feel needed; our work is meaningful. Some days, if we are lucky, we are amazed we actually get paid to do our jobs! When we are not working or in the wrong job, we can lose this sense of purpose. It’s easy to spend the day focused on short-term needs rather than our long-term goals. What talents do we possess? How do we best serve others? What contribution are we uniquely qualified to make? Truth: we can make our unique contribution whether we have a job or not. Our culture ties purpose to employment, but often the greatest impact we have is on another human being, not by doing anything, just by being us. By caring. By saying the right thing at the right time. It is important we work on reassessing how we define purpose, finding ways to authentically give our talents, regardless of job status.
Before we make yet-another New Year’s Resolution to find a new job, let’s assess our current situation in relation to these four aspects. Whether we are employed or not, we need to pursue community, growth, stability/security and purpose. Let’s stop waiting for others (or a job) to provide us with these benefits. Instead, let’s challenge ourselves to initiate change, to drive forward. Let’s create our best life.
PS If you are one of the 70% wishing that you had a new job in 2020, please reach out. I would be happy to help you, through tangible advice on your current job, resumes and interviews, as well as more ephemeral ideas on service, purpose, and leadership.
Photo Caption: One of those days when work is a joy! Photo courtesy of OWN/Discovery.
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