I had some truly amazing career coaching clients this year and we did a lot of great work together, but I heard some really shocking things from them! I know they are just overwhelmed. They feel stuck. They feel hopeless and they need help finding the meaningful work they want to do in their careers.
Maybe you have a job, but you’re unfulfilled. Are you climbing the monetary ladder, but your gig isn’t in line with what you see yourself being happy doing long term? Maybe you are looking to switch careers but have no idea which direction to turn. Maybe everyone is telling you you need to “Follow your passion!” but you have no freaking idea what that might be. No matter what your sitch, let me guess… you’re stuck, frustrated, lost and freaking out to varying degrees.
Are you bored at work? Has it been a long time since you’ve actually been challenged on the job? There’s a reason. Sometimes you can be too comfy.
I'm not actually talking snuggies, yoga pants and comfy sox. Those things are awesome. I'm talking about feeling totally, yes too, comfortable in your career.
The 'devil you know' comfort is born out of fear. You stay where you are, doing what you're doing, because of fear of the unknown. Where you are might be crappy - but at least you know what kind of crap to expect... right?
Unless there's something on your horizon that gives your stomach the jitters and freaks you out just a bit... something that pushes you out of your comfort zone... you will always be *exactly* right where you are. That's fine... right?
There is a time and space that you get to where you know it’s time to leave your job but you also know that it's a safe place and the devil you know is better than whatever freaky, hypothetical, scaries are out there in the world.
If you are one of the many who have lost their job and are feeling lost, I am sorry. If you’re taking this time to explore your options and possibly make a career change because of losing your job, your next immediate steps should be to get you back on track and set you up for success. Losing your job can be devastating but know that there still lots of opportunities out there for you after losing your job.
What do you need to do to get a promotion this year? Whether you’re aiming for an elevated position at a new job or want to move up in your current company, in order to do this thing right, you’ve got to think strategically. As I like to say ‘You gotta do the work to do the work.” (Even if you’re not jockeying for a promotion - these actions will help you be a better employee, leader and coworker.)
