Ambivalent about your job? Fuel that “meh” to drive your career ??

Welcome! Each week I do my very best to come to you with powerful content designed to help you Level Up in 2022.?Whether you’re looking to gain more visibility, tackle a meaningful challenge, transition into a new role — I’ll share my best thinking around how to achieve your goals and amplify your impact at work (and on the world around you!)?Take what works, let me know what doesn’t—this if for YOU.?Let’s roll…

I was talking to a young woman who works for the State Department this week who defined her job as fine and said she liked the people.??I probed further and with each question I asked, a theme emerged.?It was good enough.?She appreciated the security.?She didn’t know what else she would do.?She wasn’t certain where she wanted to be in five years.?Maybe something interesting would come her way if she stayed and continued to do a good enough job.

Her ambivalence stopped me in my tracks.?I’m so used to being around people with strong feelings about their careers—in either direction—love or hate—that I sometimes overlook the middle grounders.?The I-could-take-it-or-leave it middle of the roaders.?Those who have good enough jobs, but not fulfilling careers.?

I’ve been there.?I’ve had (way) too many jobs I didn’t love.?But I knew to keep pushing. I had a restlessness I couldn't shake.??I felt a deep sense of certainty that I had untapped value, hidden potential inside me—and I was desperate to find the canvas on which to unleash my skillset.?

Here’s what to do if you’re doing just fine. You’re in a “meh” job, but your career prospects are dicey.?You’re not in crisis mode (yet) but you could be— if you let yourself languish long enough without taking control…

1.????Ask the Tough Questions

2.????Set Small Goals

3.????Don’t Be a Taker

Ask the Tough Questions

It’s time for some introspection.??What’s really driving you??Is it financial security or complacency??Is it laziness maybe—a sense of dread of having to really think about what would get you excited and jazzed up about your life??Is it fear—fear of asking the tough questions and revealing the truth—that you were never meant to be a graphic designer, digital marketer or executive assistant???

Forget about being asked these questions by others (parents, partners, well-meaning friends) and instead really think about them on your own.?What would it look like if you decided to do something different, to move the needle in a different direction, to simply imagine an alternate universe? The young woman I spoke to—she really likes nutrition—she has a distant spark that maybe someday she’d like to help people live healthier lives…

Set Small Goals

We’re living amidst the Great Resignation, the Big Quit—the largest exodus from 9-5 living that we’ve seen in modern times.?I’m not suggesting you jump on board.?Quitting is not realistic (or ideal) for many of us.?But you don’t have to quit a comfortable job to bring about change in your life.?Instead of taking a huge (and irreversible) leap—set some small goals.?Start learning, explore different ideas, dip your toe in the water.?You don’t have to start a blog (scary) or launch an Insta account about small-batch vegan cooking (intimidating).??Instead:

• Take an online class
• Go watch a random TED talk
• Talk to friends and colleagues about their careers / jobs—what do they like? What skillsets do they leverage??How did they break into a specific industry or role?
• Broaden your exposure—start following thought leaders who interest you but have nothing to do with your current role or industry.?
• Volunteer – find an organization that aligns with your interests outside of your current role.?It doesn’t have to be a weekly thing.

Commit to doing three small things a month that will tickle your brain.??That’s it.?You can fit that in.

Don’t be a Taker

When I met my husband, he was a “taker.”?He had been working in real estate finance not out of desire or intention, but as a result of complacency.?Trained as an accountant—he was offered an opportunity—one thing led to the next, and the next, and ten years later, here he was.??Interestingly enough—he knew it.?He labeled it for me.?He described his professional career as being “put to him.”?As opposed to crafting a career he aspired to or that inspired him.

Over the years, I’ve met lots of Takers.?It always makes me feel a little bit sad.?Your career is too big a thing to simply let happen to you.??Don’t assume others know what’s best for you.?Don’t assume you don’t have agency in driving your career.?Flip the script.?Recognize that you can, and must, make opportunity happen for yourself.??No one will ever care more about your career than you.??

* * * * *

So, care.?Care a lot.??Invest in yourself.?Ask the tough question.?Set small goals. Take a risk, try something new, reach out to a connection (who may or may not respond), push yourself to get out and explore—what’s the worst that can happen from any of that? It’s not so bad. The repercussions of doing nothing??Well, that could actually be devastating.??

YOUR TURN         

Are you in a job that's fine? Meh? Not the career you aspire to or that inspires you? What are you doing to bring about change in your life? Tell me HERE, I'd like to help...

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