Ghosts of Careers Present

The present looms large in any consideration of what you want from your future working life. A career review has to embrace where you are now, what is going on around you and the external factors that will shape your decisions.

In our last post we looked at the ghosts of careers past and how tracking your career to date reveals not only skills and knowledge you have acquired but also personal attributes, preferences and values, and the things that matter to you.

Here we consider the ghosts of careers present - the negative factors that cause frustration, stress and discontent, which may be a spur to change, and also the important positives that may act as constraints but which are also sources of strength.

Season of discontent
Many people thinking about their career at the start of a new year might decide they are frustrated in their current job and feel the desire for a fresh start.  But we have to assess the situation accurately and get the diagnosis right.  Is the problem the role we are in?  Is it the organisation we are working for?  Or is it the industry or sector we are working in?
 
In the present tough economic climate, many people are working harder with longer hours and fewer people to share the workload.  Opportunities for advancement may be limited.  Work may be less fun.  These stresses and strains will affect the atmosphere within the organisation and working relationships too as different individuals adopt different ways of coping.  In extreme cases, individuals may find that changes in the ethical conduct of the employer lead to a conflict with their own values.

The grass may seem greener elsewhere but it is essential to take a realistic view.  It is likely that all companies in your sector will be experiencing the same external pressures in riding out the downturn.  It might not be that you are in the wrong job at all.  Sometimes ‘sticking it out’ is essential to get the experience you need as a stepping stone in getting you where you want to be.

Sources of strength
You may have limited control over external factors but there will be things that you can address.  You can manage yourself to reduce stress and you may be able to find ways to change things for the better in the present job while preparing for the future. 

Professional qualifications, training and practical experience are important assets not to be lightly dismissed.  So are friendships and networks.  Are you up to date on technical and industry knowledge?  Do you maintain networks and relationships?  Are there opportunities to update skills and acquire experience that would increase your future options?

Most people have ties and commitments that influence what is possible at the present time and what they want to achieve.  Partners, children, schools, families, friendships and involvement in various communities - not to mention mortgages and other financial obligations - have to be considered.  These are essential facts about who you are in the present that may act as constraints but which are also sources of strength and stability.
 
Look before you leap
The desire to jump ship or change industry all together might be very strong.  However, starting afresh, particularly when there is such fierce competition for jobs, is no easy option.  It is very unwise to simply leave a job with no specific idea of what you are going to do instead.
 
Changing direction requires a high degree of focus and commitment, an issue we will look at in our next post on ghosts of careers future.

Jo Ouston
December 2011