Dilemma of a square peg

Jessica Leo

Far too few people bound out of bed each morning just itching to get to work and knuckle down to the day. Rather, there is an army of workers who are trapped in the wrong job or profession or are just downright unhappy with their career.

But the bigger challenge than dragging themselves out of bed each day is mustering the courage and motivation to make a much-needed change.

Psychologist and career coach Darryl Cross says he sees countless clients facing such a dilemma.

“I have people coming to me saying ‘I know there’s more for me out there’ or ‘I didn’t go to university when I got the opportunity and now I think I can do more’ or ‘I haven’t reached my potential’,” Dr Cross says.

But when asked what they want to do, or how they intend to set about making a career change, many are at a loss. Dr Cross says taking the next step is all about having a positive mind-set and taking a strategic approach to the situation.

“You need to be able to explore your strengths and talents because a job needs to be an extension of who you are – that’s when you get job satisfaction and are passionate about it,” he says.

Rex Buckingham, of Colour Thinking says it is also important to make sure the ‘dislike isn’t because of lack of assertiveness and emotional intelligence on the part of the employee’.

“Employers should know how to performance and career manage “” usually or at least too often they just don’t. Too often they are not getting that advice and are living in much the same disillusioned state as their employeethis applies to middle management and also Principals of owned businesses.

“The first thing is to work to actually fix the things about the job that have overtaken what used to be the good things “” the reasons the individual joined the business / industry. Of course, sometimes that was a flawed process but in leaving there needs to be considered actions otherwise the chance is another misconceived position.”

Kim Fenton and Penny Ombler, who founded coaching and training company Successful Minds, agree a healthy attitude is paramount to ensuring a positive career move.

“A positive perspective is not about opening yourself up for disappointment,” the pair wrote in a recent article on developing a successful mind-set.

“It is about inviting into your life what you believe you deserve.

“If you do not believe you are worthy or capable of success, success will elude you.”

But how do you pinpoint the direction in which you want to head? Dr Cross suggests focusing on four main areas:

• Work interests: What they like and don’t like.
• Work values: What do they want out of a job other than a salary? Are they looking for creativity?
• Work style: In a sense, this is their personality at work.
• Personality: Who am I?

“Out of that comes a particular description of a person – whether they are a round peg, square peg, triangle peg etc,” Dr Cross says.

“Then you find round, square or triangle peg jobs and whittle down that list.”

But in a perfect world, taking that leap would mean putting your life on hold and revelling in the transition. But, Dr Cross says, it may take a lot of work to sustain such change. “Most people then have to do the juggle,” he says.

“If you’re really wealthy, you will take time off to study or start up a business. But most of us are not wealthy so we have to do the good old juggle – work part-time while studying or setting up a business.”

Then, once you ultimately leave your job, take time to examine the opposite side of the coin. While you may be leaving a job you dislike, resent or are tired of, it’s important to still retain your professionalism – after all, reputation is key.

Michael Clark of Talent2 says it is paramount to keep your integrity when leaving any job.

“Remember to keep the situation business-like and not personal,” Mr Clark says.

“A short letter of notice is all that’s needed and don’t use that as a tool to justify your decision or voice any negative opinions you have about management or the business as a whole.

“Read over your contract and make sure you are giving the correct notice period and always remember to finish on a high.

“You never know when you will run into past colleagues or need them to act as a referee.”