Pursuing Job Happiness

The Pursuit of Job Happiness

I believe that a career is a terrible thing to waste. In my Career Direction Coaching engagements, I meet some really talented executives who’ve found themselves in the wrong job.

When it comes to a poor job fit, all bad things come to an end.

Once you realize that things aren’t working, it’s only a matter of time before your employer will reach that same conclusion.  So you can either wait for the inevitable or take a proactive approach to finding a happier place.

Attributes of a Bad Job Fit

There are several scenarios that I’ve observed.

• Sometimes you are in a job that doesn’t fit your skills and interests.
• In other cases, you are being mismanaged.
• You might discover that the work culture conflicts with your personal values.
• Or, your industry and/or experience is no longer relevant in the information age or “new normal”.

Low Happiness Score? Avoid Blaming Others

For those with a low Job Happiness Survey score, have you…

• Received and heeded misguided career advice?
• Have a really bad boss?
• Found yourself in a culture that presents ongoing ethical dilemmas?

Remember: assessing blame does not serve your purpose.

You are the captain of your ship. It is your responsibility set your course and sail it in the right direction.

Even the best captains utilize the expertise of a navigator. If your course is unclear, consider engaging a professional to help calibrate their career compass.  External perspective can be invaluable as sometimes writing your own value proposition is like a dentist trying to drill his own tooth.

Job Happiness Qualifiers

If you’re inclined to go it alone, here are some questions you should ask yourself to clarify your best opportunities:

• What is the best and highest use of YOUR talent?
• What kind of boss do you work best with?
• What kind of boss would best be complimented by your approach to your work?
• How will you recognize the proper boss-fit?
• What are your corporate culture deal breakers and deal makers?
• What are your unique (perhapsworld class) skills?
  • What value do they provide?
  • Where are they best utilized for solving business problems?
  • Who has those problems?
  • What are your corporate culture deal breakers and deal makers?
• Can you articulate these elements of personal style, values and skills in a way that makes you magnetically attractive to the RIGHT scenario?

If you lack job happiness clarity, what are your chances of finding the happiness you deserve?

Related Articles & Resources

• Is Your Bad Boss Killing You?
• Are You Playing The Blame Game?
• Lessons From Frogs Insight on decision-making from amphibians
• My Career Direction Coaching page

[print-me]