It’s springtime again in the Pacific Northwest. The dandelions are blooming, the lilacs are fragrant and our local vegetable gardens are displaying early-season crops.
If you feel frazzled from job hunting, give yourself a much-needed break. Take a brisk walk outside. While you’re there, let your mind wander a bit. If you are employed, think about your job and evaluate its opportunities for your personal and professional growth.
If you choose to stay in this position (or with your current employer) for a long time, will your salary increase? In the coming years, will you be able to learn new skills, face exciting challenges and achieve worthy goals?
For some people, these are tough questions to ponder. It takes courage to be honest with yourself about your current situation, but give it a try. This isn’t decision-making time. You don’t have to make any changes. For now, simply allow your attention to drift onto different work-related topics and ask yourself how you feel about your life and what you foresee in your future.
What do you imagine and wish for in the next stage of your career? Are you ready to ask for that promotion you’ve been craving? Is it time to return to school?
If your thoughts return again and again to the same topic, permit your mind to stay there for a while. Try to explore the subject from various viewpoints. For example, if you feel befuddled about the next challenge in your current job, or wondering if there is a promotion anywhere on the horizon, don’t throw your hands up in the air. Not yet. Before you give up on your employer, see if you can fulfill your need for advancement in an original, creative way.
For instance, most companies have different departments that would require you to learn new systems and tackle new obstacles. Can you see yourself working in a different part of the organization? Similarly, some businesses would benefit from an ambitious employee who is willing to research untapped markets outside of the local area. Can you envision yourself developing a new market or client base from scratch?
And what about heading back to school? These days, many people are hitting the books to expand their knowledge and prepare themselves for upcoming opportunities. Would you like to finish high school, earn a few college credits or pursue an executive master’s degree? Linger on this topic for a while, and then ask yourself some questions: What intrigues you about returning to school? How will you benefit personally and professionally? Do you have the funds (or are you eligible for financial aid)? Can you find time to study? If you can’t realistically attend a degree program right now, try shifting your point of view once more. There are countless nontraditional courses, workshops and seminars available for people like you. Find them.
It boils down to this: If you don’t see positive change in your future, you can create it yourself. Let yourself daydream about your current situation and goals. Be honest with yourself, and keep an open mind about your options. Remember, you don’t have to come up with a plan right now. You aren’t going to take action until you’re absolutely ready.
Eve Nicholas: Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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