2022: My review of the year so far

2022 is escaping. Fast.?

So, how about we take a look at some of this year’s trends so far?

I’m not going to mention war or politics. More of a snapshot of my experiences in the coaching world.?

What issues people are facing in their lives and careers?

With some tips along the way on how you can learn from what’s going on out there.

The Great Resignation

Like a nasty hangover, many businesses were dealing with a high volume of leavers from January.?A lasting effect of the pandemic.

Attitudes towards work have certainly shifted in the past few years.?

The move to flexible working is one.?

Many people were opting to work for employers that would offer:

• Greater work-life balance
• Better core values and a clear mission
• More supportive leadership for better personal development

Quiet Quitting

The phenomena everyone’s talking about.?

A trend that started on TikTok where demotivated employees openly state they?ONLY do what’s in their job spec. Nothing more.

No staying late, and no working into lunch. And certainly not agreeing to extra work.?

Firm boundaries for sure, but is this strategy going to end badly??

My take on Quiet Quitting is: that it’s nothing new.?

If you’re demotivated and unsupported, you’re going to feel disconnected. Naturally, you may want to quit.?

The interesting thing with Quiet Quitting is you’re not leaving your job. Simply avoiding any extra effort because you dislike your job.

Scaling back isn’t uncommon. Plenty of people do this. ?

But, the key difference I see, especially in those who I coach, is these people are doing something about their situation.

Instead of switching off, they’re investing in life/career coaching. They’re taking responsibility for their demotivation.?

They yearn for clarity. They want a career that gives them energy. Not the other way around.?

For me, Quiet Quitting is a waste.?

I understand why it’s trending. But, as I said at the start, time is flying.

Why waste what limited time you have in a job that you hate??

Business start-ups

There’s never been a better time to start a business.?

Technology and social media enable you to get your brand across far easier than ever before.?

Record a video, sell a product, and people buy from you. In the blink of an eye!?

Well, it’s not that easy, but you get the point…

I’ve had the pleasure to coach people who turned their back on the traditional way of employment.?

They’ve set up businesses in recruitment, candle making, nutrition coaching, and oncology data, over the past 2 years.?

It’s been amazing to see. All against a backdrop of uncertainty. And now thriving because of the bold moves they’ve made!?

But please don’t throw the towel in with no plan. Learning a new skill is something you should do if you’re feeling disenfranchised.

Take Caroline for example. Working in Sales for over 30 years, she’d always dreamt about owning a business. She craved flexibility. And creativity!?

After working with me for 6 months, she realised she needed to be creative. And so she set off on a mission to learn how to make candles.?

Now she has a business, an Instagram profile, posts daily, and supplements her income with her passion for creating candles.?

This is how a side hustle can work. Who knows where this could end up?

The important thing is to explore new ideas and learn new skills. And if your side hustle has been tested and creates good revenue, it could be time to make the switch.?

The threat of recession

There’s been a dark cloud circling for a while now. The threat of recession, prices going crazy, and an energy crisis.?

These headlines create fear. The fear of losing your job. The fear of paying bills.?

And so you pause. And put your life on hold.?

This strategy is a problem. Especially if you’re unhappy at work.

I’m not saying quit your job tomorrow. No. That would be crazy.?

What I am saying is DON’T STOP investing in yourself.?

Hedge-fund Billionaire, Warren Buffett says one of the best investments you can make during a recession is in YOURSELF.?

Meaning you should learn more, and get to know yourself at a deeper level (what you want from life, what your goals are, aspirations).?

Enroll in that course you’ve always wanted to. Hire a coach!?

You don’t have to quit your job and risk losing everything. But not doing anything, is a problem.?

Start changing your habits today.?

Passing of the Queen

And finally, I’d like to pay special respect to Queen Elizabeth II.?

Regardless of what your political stance is, there was a lot to learn about how she communicated with people. How she engaged with others.

A great listener who genuinely cared. She loved hearing inspiring stories from those who made a difference in the lives of others.

She did an amazing amount for the UK.?

Now it's the end of the Elizabethan era, this poses a question:

How can we shape this new era?? And what does it look like?

And in this new beginning, how will you contribute to the world around you??

We all have a story to tell. We all have a purpose.?

The Queen knew the true value of what each individual can contribute to the whole.

Don't waste your time being unhappy. Take action.

Here’s to the rest of 2022.?

Tom