Sometimes I check, and give myself a little squeeze, pinch just to ensure it is my reality. Of course, there are moments and times when the challenges in my job almost seem too much. But, ultimately, so far, love wins out.
I gave pause to consider these ‘grown-up jobs’ because, when I was younger, I aspired to be a doctor. After seeing a documentary about doctors working in South East Asia & Africa, it tugged at my heart. Unfortunately, chemistry and physics tugged at my brain, and I was never to be a doctor and thank goodness for that!
The attraction to being a doctor was the desire and motivation to help people. I am sure you can relate to my story and find a similar narrative in your own early experiences. How many of us pursue careers, jobs and promotions based on what we think the job can deliver for our inner needs and motivations, only to be disappointed?
From my career interviewing and meeting so many people, I can tell you, this figure is significant. Unfortunately, people tend to stick with a job or career choice they made long ago, and it is a rarity to be open to review and rethink options and realities.
The world changes all the time, as do we. Over time, the ‘mental costume’ we wear may become too small or tight. Or maybe it stretches. But then, how do we ‘breathe’ in it. Does it limit our movements, sore spots, or allow us to have freedom still?
People often think its too late to change careers. Perhaps they have ‘invested too much’? I understand this thought process – but I have the privilege of the big picture view – I see what happens 10, 20 plus years on when people ‘stick’ to the wrong job. It manifests, and the discontent can grow exponentially. The negative feeling spreads onto other parts of your life. For how can it not? A good job and career choice are all too important – it interconnects with all aspects of your world.
For many people, 2021 has presented the opportunity to revaluate career and job choices and see if their job satisfies the inner needs, desires and motivations.
This emphasis has given many people the freedom to rethink their beliefs, including well-established opinions.
The danger, of course, is to make too swift a decision. I am not a vocational guide, but from my years of meeting and interviewing people, I have some simple tips and thoughts to share with you: