Job versus Career

by speaker and author, Colette Carlson, MA

How many of you out there are as flabbergasted by the state of the world economy as I am? It’s pretty scary, isn’t it? I overheard a woman the other day worried about being late for her job because she was afraid her employers might fire her. Losing your job in this climate would be nearly catastrophic, right? Or would it?

I often hear people say things about their “jobs.” “I have to hurry, I don’t want to be late for my job,” or “Meh, it’s just a job.” These are probably the same people that when you stop them and say, “Excuse me, I couldn’t help overhearing you just now, what is it that you do?” They’ll invariably answer with, “Oh, I only work as a _______ for a living.”

You ”only” work?

“For a living”?

These are negatively charged statements, aren’t they? I find that the more I dig, the more people need to be uplifted in their careers. You’re not “just” an anything. Your career isn’t an “Oh, it’s only”.

Why the negativity, people? Come on! Snap out of it!

I think it stems from the media in some way. That people are meant to feel “less than” because they aren’t cardiologists that happen to look like super models with legs that run from the ground up to their chins, leaving room only for an ample bosom. How many people are like that? The majority of the world isn’t. The majority of the world is made up of hard-working individuals. It’s truly everybody that runs the global economy – our working and spending, that makes the world go round.

I realize it’s hard to stay focused in this environment. But you don’t show up at a “job” everyday. If you’re just going there to “make a living” maybe it’s time you reevaluate your sense of self-worth and what your career is providing you. They’re all careers. All “jobs” are. But where’s your joy? Where is your deep rooted passion for your daily ritual? Do you find your 8 hours are considered a “daily grind”? If so, ask yourself this, where do you want to go in life? Can you make a difference in the career you’re already at? Can you embrace what you’re doing and find pleasure in the tasks that you complete?

For many of you, the answers will sadly be no. Look, if you can’t leverage where you are right now and move up through the rungs of the company, maybe it’s because you don’t want to. Fear of change holds many back, particularly in this economy. Unemployment is at a 42 year record high. Hardly time to cut loose and go wild.If you find that my above points are hitting a little too close to the mark, humor me and let’s complete the following exercises together. I want you to trust your inner voice here – not your inner critic. Don’t ever trust that one. He’s a wily one. I want you to answer the following questions with a YES or a NO:

At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

Does your employer seem to care about you as a person?

Is there anyone there that encourages your development?

Do your opinions at work count?

In the past year, have you had any opportunities to learn and grow?

If you’ve answered no to a significant number of those, there’s a problem and it’s time for you to reassess your talents, skills, abilities and your life’s path to get you where you need to be. Life’s a journey taken day by day. It’s not something to dread and fear. When the alarm goes off in the morning, you shouldn’t want to pull the covers over your head and hide!

Now, let’s shake things up a bit, OK? What do you like to do? What is it you really excel at? Can you seek out opportunities in your present employment to bring those skills and that passion aboard? If you’re artistic, perhaps there’s a new opening in the marketing department that you should aim for? If what you enjoy isn’t available at your current place of employment, perhaps you can do some research and find a position that will hold your passion?

I want you to take action daily – no matter what! If you’re going to stay in your present career, I want you to have an attitude of success! I want you to surround yourself with like-minded people and give appreciation daily for what you’ve got. I want you to invest just 15 minutes a day to researching an area of interest or future resource that moves you in the direction of your goals and dreams – whether that’s at your current employment, a new career direction, taking a class, joining an association, club or asking for help from a mentor.

Seek balance in what you do every day. Don’t fritter away your time dwelling on the negative. You’re a powerful individual with a lot to give the world. If you’re not meeting your potential where you are, it’s time to find opportunities where you can spread your wings and soar. We all deserve that zest for life, the oomph that a job well done gives us. Now, I’m not advocating you quit your career and go onto unemployment. I’m telling you to seek out ways in which to improve you. To celebrate YOU! If that isn’t where you are at this exact moment, why not? Make it where you are.

It’s time to decide to decide. After all, choice is more powerful than chance. Do you want to leave the rest of your life up to chance when you can choose your own destiny? Take healthy risks through assertive action. Make a plan based on your choices. Share your plan with appropriate people – your new mentor, people that will support and encourage these fresh, new choices. Start asking clearly and directly for what you want – not just from your employer but from the universe. Each negative statement you utter and think resounds and sends the negative back at you.

It’s time to deflect the negative and reflect the positive!

I want you to promote your accomplishments to the decision-makers you work for. It’s time to see and be seen. It’s time to shine. As you learn and grow in your career, the self-satisfaction and pride will follow.

Volunteer for assignments and tasks. You’ll not only show your employers that you’re a valued employee, you’ll have a chance to discover new talents you didn’t even know you had – or, you’ll be able to polish up ones you’ve seldom had a chance to use. You can do it. Choose faith over fear. No excuse you can make right now is big enough to stop you from believing in yourself. If you always play it safe, you’re bound to lose out. So shake things up a bit and reach for all your potential. You’ve got skills, so show them if not where you are, then where you’re going.

Go forth and conquer!

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Articles may be reproduced with permission from Colette Carlson Communications.