I think, until recently, people believed that the key to finding a ‘satisfying’ career was finding a job that matched individual values, interests and skills. But although this looks good on paper, there’s a problem: it just doesn’t work in practice!
It doesn’t work because peoples values, interests and skills aren’t the key drivers when it comes to selecting a career path; as these change dramatically over time. And by that I mean, what was important to you when you were 17 isn’t what’s important to you now…
The reason for this is, in the UK we’re asked to make important career decisions far too early. E.g. In secondary school (high school- for those over the water) you have to pretty much decide what you’re aiming to do for the rest of your life – (at 17 I didn’t know what I was going to do for the next 40 minutes let alone the next 40 years…!)
If someone isn’t happy in their day-2-day role, no matter how well they try and disguise it, there is no passion or belief in what they do… and that comes across to anyone they come into contact with: customers, clients and colleagues alike (like viewing a potential new home – although the house ticks all the boxes… something doesn’t quite feel right!)
Because it’s possibile that many of the people you work with (or work for you) might not be happy doing what they do… the question is, can you do something to make it better?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha! this is so true Lee. Who the heck knew what the wanted to be at 17? Our system is geared to plugging all people into the 'job' sized square peg hole.
Creative types ( or those who hate routine -such as myself!) generally suffer from this concept particularly as it does not allow them the freedom they need to express themselves or the independence to be creatively useful to the employer. Maybe thats why we have so much illness?? hmmm I wonder…
I think you've got a point…! Plus, we spend more time with the people we work with than we do with our nearest and dearest… so they become like a second family. So if things aren;t right at work you can talk it through – to avoid those times when that 'little red devil' says “oh….f**k it!