Before You Change Jobs, Learn
About Yourself
Author: Eileen Smith
Date: January 06, 2008
Grumbling. Whining. The more subtle maneuvers of workers trying to network their way to more fulfilling jobs.
"The mentality that you have to pick a place and stay there forever has shifted," says Liz Bywater, an organizational performance expert. "People want jobs that are meaningful to them. They want a work/life balance."
Based in Yardley, Pa., Bywater coaches executives, professionals and business owners and is a member of the American Psychological Association. Throughout January, she is providing free, real-time advice through the message board of womenworking.com, an online community where participants share strategies for success.
She perceives a growing number of people yearning for career changes, yet wondering which way to turn. In fact, 26 percent of employed Americans are looking for greener pastures, according to a survey by SnagAJob.com.
Before you hand in your resignation, Bywater suggests taking a personal inventory to identify what you're missing in life. Talk to people near and dear or a trusted professional to sift through your feelings.
"Sometimes, feeling disenchanted with your job is just a part of feeling disenchanted with life," Bywater says. "It's not the job at all."
But if you do identify a new career path you would like to take, it's essential to get the word out. She suggests casting your networking net far beyond professional mixers.
"If you've decided you would enjoy working with food, be sure to mention that at family get-togethers and school events," she says.
Online communities are plentiful, but Bywater cautions they are only as useful as you make them.
"You have to go beyond signing up," she says. "If you don't make yourself known, then it's of no value."
In all your dealings, resist the temptation to lament the sorry state of your workplace.
"Nobody wants to hear how unhappy you are," Bywater says. "Shift to something positive."
Many people hesitate to reach out and share their desire for change with others. Perhaps that's because asking someone for a career tip is akin to requesting a small favor.
But as long as you aren't long-winded or pushy, Bywater says it's OK.
"People truly are interested in helping one another," she says. "What have you got to lose?"
Keep in mind that networking isn't a one-way street.
"If you're looking to give before you get, people are more in tune to you," she says. "Find a way to be helpful to someone else, even if it's just recommending a great restaurant."
Most important, internalize that no one is truly trapped in a miserable job. Everyone makes decisions in life and sometimes the best choice is change.
"It takes a great deal of courage to change, especially if you're in the middle of a career or if you're worried about the money," she says. "But it can be done. People can find tremendous fulfillment in work that makes them happy."
Eileen Smith offers commonsense insights on personal finance and career enrichment in her Sunday column. Reach her at (856) 486-2444 or esmith@courierpostonline.com
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