No one’s job is perfect.  But if you find yourself becoming unhappy with what you are doing it is time to assess your current job- to identify the parts you like best and those you like least.  Sometimes people drift along in their jobs for years without evaluating what they are doing, where they are going and if they are happy being there!

The Parts You Like Best

An important first step is to analyse what you most enjoy doing and then listing the qualities you have that enable you to perform well in these activities.  For example, you may enjoy being a team leader.  What makes a good team leader?  Observe good team leaders and look at their competencies.  Then develop your own skills list. You may observe that good team leaders are good listeners.  They are able to draw team members out. They ask members what they think.  How do your skills in these areas measure up?  Ask for some feedback from others the next time you are able to demonstrate these skills.

The Parts You Like Least

 What is it about these activities that turns you off?  Are they repetitive tasks?  Are they independent tasks that seem isolating to you?  Are you required to be visible and to tolerate high levels of interruptions?  Dissecting these aspects of your job that you dislike will help you to identify where you think your skills and interests really lie

If you feel stuck you may need help from a manager in trying to make changes. Sometimes you can make adjustments to your current job such as fewer hours or different responsibilities that will increase your job satisfaction and help to reduce any unproductive stress you may be experiencing.

Your Job Environment

An important part of job satisfaction is to be in an environment that suits you.  Evaluate your environment in the same way as you evaluate your skill sets and competencies.  Do you thrive in a closed office or in an open plan?  Do you work well as a team leader or a team member?  Do you feel supported by your management?  Do you have the tools you need to do your job well? Are you getting the kind of recognition that motivates you?

Changing Jobs

You may identify a new area of interest through this self-assessment process. You may discover that you would like to move into another area such as marketing, finance or human resources.  Find out who is performing these desirable roles and go and interview them.  Ask questions about what skills they think are essential for them to do their job well.  It may well be that you won’t need to embark on a university degree or extended training  but that you need to improve very particular skills that you already have.

Promotion Of Your Core Abilities And Core Interests

Look for opportunities to learn more about your areas of interest.- through interviews with people in those jobs, by networking with professional associations who attract people with those skills or finding a  mentor to assist you in preparing for a different role.  Ensure your marketability by keeping your skills current and letting others know what you want to do.  Identify opportunities. Increase your networks.  Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey, 1990) to help clarify what you want to do.

Work-Life Balance

Look at all aspects of your life to provide opportunities for expression and satisfaction including areas of your working life and your personal life.  Don’t expect your satisfactions to all come from the same place.  If you enjoy what you are doing at least 75% of the time, it will be a very satisfactory working and personal experience for you.

Contact your IPS Worldwide^® Account Manager to find out more information on our training courses which can assist you in finding the balance which is right for you.