|
Issue Date: January 13, 2001
Life-eing tips from a psychologist
Take our quiz to find out if you're ready to "transition" to a better career.
By Carole Kanchier
Janelle Stahlberg, 48, a senior operations manager with a telecommunications company, had been doing some serious self-assessment before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. That shock, coupled with her father's illness and the company's reorganization and possible merger, helped her make the decision to return to school part time -- a longtime dream.
Such deep self-evaluation happens every five to 10 years and is a normal part of lifelong development. Traumatic experiences such as the terrorist attacks, job loss, marriage, divorce, illness or the death of a loved one spark and intensify transitions. As a result, priorities, needs and lifestyles may change. That's followed by commitments to achieve new goals.
Are you in transition right now? To find out, take the quiz at right. Then take charge and recalibrate your personal and career goals. You'll feel revitalized.
First, Know yourself
It's crucial to define your purpose -- your reason for being, your compass, why you get up each day. Know it so you can work in harmony with your deepest feelings, beliefs and strengths.
Finding a purpose takes time. Start by completing the following:
List three accomplishments in any area (for instance, work, leisure, social, civic) that make you feel great.
What do you want others to say about your contributions?
How would you occupy your time if you were a billionaire?
List absorbing childhood activities.
What would you do if it were impossible for you to fail?
What would you regret not having done if your life were ending now?
What are your daydreams, hopes, wishes?
How would you make the world better?
What would you wear to a costume party?
List a dream job someone you know has.
Name the people you most respect.
When does your body feel most "alive"?
What's an award you'd be proud to receive?
Look over your results. What main themes emerge? Clarify these by talking with a close friend or by writing about them. Stahlberg's themes are learning, helping and mentoring.
PLAN
Explore options. With a partner, brainstorm several jobs that will let you express your purpose. Don't let age, the economy, physical ability, or lack of education or money hamper you. Jobs that Stahlberg identified include customer advocate and corporate trainer.
Explore at least three alternatives. Although Stahlberg decided to study business, she is still researching her options. The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor -- available in libraries and at www.bls.gov/oco/ -- provides a good overview. To explore further, interview workers, take courses, attend trade and professional meetings, volunteer, and shadow professionals at work.
Define a career goal. Maybe you want to return to school, reduce your work hours or get a raise. State your goal in the present, using concrete, positive terms. Your goal and daily activities should reflect your purpose.
Identify obstacles that could keep you from achieving your goal. List ways you can overcome those barriers. Know where to get information and support to make change less risky. If the worst happens, how could you react?
CHANGE
Take small steps. Outline your goals, strategies and timeline. Put the action steps on your daily calendar. Track your progress, and modify your goals and plans as circumstances change. Visualize yourself living your goal.
Stay focused. Live in the present. Don't worry about what might happen. View setbacks as learning experiences. Base all decisions on the direction in which you want your life to go.
Maintain optimism. Look for and expect good things to happen. Keep a diary of positive experiences.
Avoid "I can't" or "What's the use of going ahead when things are so uncertain?" Each time you use a negative statement or thought, say, "Cancel." Then use a positive, such as "I've moved on and am succeeding in my new venture." It may help to meet regularly with a support group or counselor.
If you're in transition today, use it to create the work and lifestyle you want tomorrow. What's next for you?
Carole Kanchier, Ph.D., is the author of "Dare to Change Your Job -- And Your Life". For information about career transitions, visit daretochange.com.
Go to top
QUIZ: Are you in transition?
To find out, answer yes or no to these nine statements:
Yes No The terrorist attacks are causing me to re-evaluate my career and life goals.
Yes No I'm restless.
Yes No I often think of quitting my job or taking early retirement.
Yes No I can't grow in my job.
Yes No I'll never attain my career goals in my current position.
Yes No I don't have a sense of purpose.
Yes No My job doesn't meet my needs and values.
Yes No I have experienced a traumatic event such as fear of terrorism, divorce or job loss within the past few years.
Yes No I am a few years on either side of a round-numbered age like 30 or 50.
If you answered yes three or more times, you may be in a transition. Transitions are a normal part of growth. Use them as springboards for revitalization. Start with the tips in the accompanying article.
|
