Just because we're in a tough job environment, that doesn't mean you have to remain stuck in a career that may not be right for you. Now you may be among the millions of employed Americans who feel that job satisfaction is not as important as job security, especially when so many of your colleagues are losing their jobs.
But chances are your work life is going to last longer than the current economic downturn, so do you want to spend the rest of your life in a job that drains you of energy and leaves you burdened and unfulfilled? Of course not.
The next question is how do you determine what the best career is for you? Obviously there are tests you can take that link interests, personality and talents to specific jobs, but they don't always work. I once took those tests and they recommend I become an accountant. I would hate spending all my time working with numbers.
Career coach Curt Rosengren, author of the book 101 Ways to Get Wild About has a few simple questions to ask when evaluating your career choice. The first is do you feel energized by this work? Because if your job leaves you feeling drained and depleted, it can't be the best one for you.
According to Rosengren, far too many of us stay in what most people would consider great jobs, even though we get a creeping sense of dread every Sunday night. So unless you just can't wait to return to work Monday morning, you may want to rethink your career path.
How do you know?
But what if you see a job you think looks great? How do you know if it will leave you feeling energized? Writing for U.S. News, Rosengren recommends asking yourself if you would feel energized by either the work itself or the outcome?
Do you feel as if you've made a difference? Does what you do help people, help the environment or provide ideas and information? Rosengren says that the more you know about the kinds of outcomes that make you feel energized or compel you to work hard even when the going gets tough, the more likely you will find a job that's right for you.
We all have certain innate gifts and talents, so another question to ask is whether you will be able to use those gifts in the work you do? Rosengren adds that you shouldn't just ask if you would be good at a particular job, but rather would you find it enjoyable and energizing. You can be good at something and still hate doing it.
The next question is will you be able to survive and thrive financially doing this work? Unfortunately, this is too often the first question we ask. But Rosengren says that looking at what leaves you feeling energized and inspired is more important. That doesn't mean you should ignore the financial question. That's important too. The key says Rosengren, is to make it part of the equation, not the whole equation.
Next, ask whether the job will let you grow in a beneficial way? Again, most career paths include some growth potential. But what Rosengren is talking about is whether or not there are opportunities for growth that you care about. This is where it's helpful to have insights about what energizes you and what you find compelling. If you don't equip yourself with that information, the answer to this question is little more than a stab in the dark.
Another question to ask is whether you see yourself doing this work ten years from now? Does that image appeal to you or does it depress you? If it feels like a burden, that's a good sign that there's another career out there that's better for you.
