Why everyone deserves a career they enjoy

“Do you assume that everyone hates their job, Clara?” OUCH. You can imagine that stung. When you are running a business that has a strapline “creating careers to enjoy not endure”, I can see why that assumption would be made. But this misunderstanding comes from inward belief about the emotions attached to work. So today I want to explain why I believe everyone deserves a career they enjoy, and how you can uncover if you have this too!

 

I’ve been working with people developing their careers for over 20 years. As a Recruiter, one of the first questions I used to ask people was “Why do you do what you do?”. Now as a Coach, I start with “What are your values”.

Would it surprise you that the number one answer as a recruiter was “I sort of fell into it?” And as a Coach, it’s “I don’t know”!

 

For many people, their career path isn’t as accidental as they may believe. They have made decisions based on what feels right and what suits their life at the time. But, they can’t consciously connect the dots to find the themes in their career path to date.  They come to me when they aren’t enjoying their work anymore; when it feels overwhelming, or frustrating or they can’t see the “point” of what they are doing.

 

That’s why when things feel “off” they aren’t sure where to turn

That’s why they struggle to pull a CV together and prep for an interview

That’s why they aren’t sure what their skills are

 

How can you uncover what you enjoy about your work?

 

Take some time to reflect on the last time you felt like you were performing at your best? When you found pleasure and purpose in your day. Not sure when this was? Let me help you by sharing what many of my clients uncover about their sense of joy at work. How many of these can you recognise?

 

You are in flow

This is the state where you were absorbed in the activity; you lose a sense of time!

 

You feel energised

During the activity, and for a time afterwards, you feel charged; both physically and mentally

 

You want to share

At the end of the workday, you are happy to talk about what you have done!

 

You feel purposeful

You know that the work has made a difference; that you have made an impact, that you have solved a problem, or you have been part of a larger mission

 

You imagine the future

There is a sense of possibility; that the enjoyment that you have felt is replicable, and even able to be expanded.

 

You feel valued

Now, this isn’t about finances (although there is no doubt that money is essential to create opportunities in your and your family’s life) but that you are listened to, appreciated and treated with empathy and kindness.

 

 

When I am going through this process with my clients, one of three things can happen. They have a stark realisation that these feelings haven’t appeared for a while. Furthermore, they can’t see how that can be restated within their day-to-day job. When that happens, we work on taking action to find a new path. They may have the realisation that they don’t need to pin their purpose just on their job, creating a new definition of work-life balance. For others, they get a clear understanding that there is potential for enjoyment within their current role, but taking control of their career path and asking for what makes their skills shine!

 

The work I do shines a spotlight on all the elements that make up a balanced life: your career journey, your confidence, your work-life balance and your value. When we consider the amount of time, energy and attention we commit to working, how much it feeds into our identity, and affects our wellbeing, it makes sense that we enjoy what we do! So, after reading this article, let me ask you, “Do you enjoy your career?”. If you can’t say “Yes” it’s time to start making some changes. Because trust me, you deserve a career to enjoy.

 

If you feel like you want to explore creating a career to enjoy, read my other blogs.

If it’s time to work with a coach, find out how I can support you by booking a call.

Looking to join a group of over 500 people creating their career to enjoy; I’d love to see you over on Facebook.