AT WORK
Before switching jobs, do intense personal assessment, experts advise
By Dawn Sagario
The Des Moines Register
If you're thinking of cutting the umbilical cord to your job, you're definitely not alone.
According to one survey, almost two-thirds of employees said they were extremely likely to begin, or increase the intensity of, a job search once the job market outlook and economy improves.
Career experts agree that before making any switch — to a different job, change in industry, or a complete career makeover — you have to do an intense personal assessment.
What's often lacking, experts say, is determining first what your interests are and where your passion lies. Once that is pinpointed, you can translate those interests into finding a line of work where you feel fulfilled and happy. Research and hands-on experience in your field of interest are key before making a huge career leap.
Quests for better compensation or benefits was the top reason cited for seeking a new job, according to a survey conducted last summer by the Society for Human Resource Management and CareerJournal.com.
Next came dissatisfaction with career potential and being ready for a new experience as the top three reasons employees jump ship.
If you are ambivalent about leaving, career consultants say there are a number of red flags that signal unhappiness at work.
Donna Vinton ticked off a laundry list of warning signs: anxiety, depression, erratic moods, quick temper, lack of focus, decreased productivity and taking more sick days. All can be clues that you're not into your work, said Vinton, associate director for career development services at the University of Northern Iowa.
"It could be just a general malaise, like 'I don't want to do this,' " she said.
The root of your discontent could be linked to anything from dysfunctional relationships at work to a personal clash with the organization's values, experts said.
You might feel you lack close relationships, either with colleagues or your boss, said executive coach Bruce Kawahara. You might experience a lack of community in the workplace, which can be disheartening.
Or you don't feel like the group is working toward a worthy goal — one component to workplace bliss that Kawahara, co-owner of BluOpal Consulting in West Des Moines, Iowa, describes as "you know you have some impact on the greater good."
Work dissatisfaction can arise if the values of the organization don't reflect your own, he said. A worker also could begin losing interest if he or she doesn't feel challenged with opportunities to grow and learn.
When contemplating a change, think about classes you took in college and even high school that appealed to you and left you inspired, Kawahara said.
"Consider what jobs combine your passion, your skills, your education and your work and life experience," he said.
Vinton said the solution could be as simple as moving to a different department. Voice your commitment to the organization and express how much you'd like to stay. Then ask about other positions that might suit you better.
When considering a professional makeover, don't think in terms of college majors and job titles, she said. Those can be limiting and can feed people's fears they're pigeonholing themselves into doing one thing for the rest of their lives.
Don't feel pressured to stick to one job, Vinton added. "There are options beyond those that we can visualize. We just need to seek them out."
Career experts advise testing the waters before going whole hog. Volunteering, getting a part-time job, joining an association, work-study and networking with people in that field are all ways to get hands-on experience.
