What do you want from
your work?
December, 2010
By Craig Nathanson - The
Vocational Coach™
It's not that complex
In the last ten years of working with mid-life adults on finding
the right work which aligns interests and abilities, I have
come to the conclusion that the criteria for the RIGHT work
is very similar.
Make a living and make it interesting
People need to provide an income for themselves and this is
a priority. But I have discovered as people approach
40, they are no longer willing to make the trade-off between
just making money and not enjoying what they do. It becomes
equally important to do work which is in fact interesting. I
have also found that despite how MUCH money people make, the
work which is not interesting does not last very long. When
people continue to do work for JUST the money over a long period
of time, health issues and psychological issues start to build
depression and angst.
A healthy culture which matches one’s values
This is an area which many people don’t consider until
it’s too late. A work culture consists of behavior and
values which is different for each organization. It is important
to understand what type of work environment would match your
values. For example, if you cared about health, you might not
want to select a tobacco company to work for. Or if you cared
about making a difference in people’s lives through healthy
living, then perhaps working on Wall Street for a firm that
trades stocks might also not work for you. A culture is not
going to change in order to fit you; you must choose the environment
which fits you best.
A place to grow, further enhance self-identity and raise
self-esteem
Most organizations look at their employees as a means to an
end-profit - the more productive the better. Rarely help
for self-esteem, self-identity, or personal growth is high on
the organizational agenda. So, it becomes critical for a person
to select the right work which helps personal development.
Stability and security
This is where the widest gap can be found. People want stability
and security and the organization views its people on a short
term orientation based on results. Again, it is up to you to
select work which is stable and secure. In a difficult economy
this is not easy. The best approach is to choose 4-5 streams
of revenue. You might have a full-time job and two roles on
the outside making additional income. Or you might have 3 part-time
jobs. Or you might have 1 part-time job and several contractor
roles. You have to create your own stability and security and
not ever expect an organization to create this for you. This
is not part of their agenda.
An organizational mission you can relate to
Yes, it is important to work at a place which you believe in.
If you don’t believe in or even understand the mission
of the organization, then don’t work there. You will not
feel a connection and will quickly lose energy each day you
go to work.
Nice people to work with, grow relationships
Most of our social networks come from those who we work with.
If you choose work which you do not enjoy or organizations which
you do not believe in, chances are you will not connect with
the people who work there.
A manager who believes in them
Most of the time, it is the luck of the draw to end up with
a strong manager who believes in you. If you do, feel fortunate
as this is rare. If you end up working for a manager who is
so focused on goals, that you don’t feel you are viewed
as a person with a life, then this will slowly cause issues.
Make a plan to find a new home where you feel supported.
What do people want from their work?
Most of us want the same. Finding
RIGHT work which is both enjoyable and helps you develop
takes hard choices around where to work and what to do. With
a proactive approach toward developing work which is perfect
for you, you will find that your life and sense of purpose takes
on new meaning. You will feel in control again. You will find
joy in your day. You will never look back!
I'll be cheering you on as you go!
Craig Nathanson
Craig Nathanson is the author of "How
to find the RIGHT work during challenging times: A new approach
to your life and work after 40" and is a coaching
expert who works with people over forty.
Visit Craig’s online
community where you can take a class, get more ideas through
Craig Nathanson’s books and CD’s, get some private
coaching over the phone or using skype and webcam and in Craig’s
office, or read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.
Craig lives and works in Petaluma, California. His office
is located at P.O Box 2823, Petaluma Ca, 94953. You can reach
him at 707-775-4020 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com.
Craig's Vocational Passion Newsletters are edited by Anita
Flegg at The Sharp Quill. The Sharp Quill -- www.sharpquill.com
-- specializes in writing and editing for small business. You
can see Anita's vocational story at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com/_vocational_community/_real_stories/story_anita.html
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