Does Your Job Energize You… or Feel Like a Rut?

By Vincent Scott This is not your father’s working world anymore.  If your parents are like many who are now senior citizens, they took jobs that paid fairly well and offered decent pensions, and stuck with those jobs forever, whether they were happy or not. It was not uncommon for a man or woman to work 35 or 40 years in a job or field that had long since lost its appeal.  That’s what our parents did, maybe because they were raised by parents of the Depression years who were afraid to take chances.   But we’re not our parents and the working world has changed.  For one thing, even companies that have been around for ages may close their doors because of technological advancements, because of competition, because of ineffectual or fraudulent leadership, or a number of other reasons.  Clearly recent events tell us not to put all our future hopes in the Enrons or the GMs of the day. This may be part of why today’s Baby Boomers are opting for change.   Time to Refresh? A change of employer, a change to self-employment in the same industry, or even a change to an entirely different field can give you a whole new outlook on life.  Consultants who specialize in helping people transition to new work worlds have seen it all.  A long-time employee of one company finds more satisfaction doing the same type of work for a new employer; a high-powered executive in the public relations field who loved his industry but hated the long commute, opted to hang out his own shingle and work from home; an accountant threw out her calculator in favor of a writing career; an attorney closed his law books to teach kindergarten, and a six-figure corporate mover-and-shaker laid it all down to head an animal charity that was close to her heart.     If you’re languishing in your job or career, it may be time to consider something new.  You may feel shackled to your current industry because that’s where your college degree and/or training lie. You wouldn’t be the first person to have taken the wrong career path, or to grow tired of an industry you once loved, so don’t let that stop you. Here is what Mary Lynn Miller, of the Life and Career Clinic recommends for those adventuresome souls who are ready for change. If you’re looking for a change, consider these points: ― What do you really enjoy?  Don’t limit your thinking to the career you’ve had.  Think in terms of your hobbies, your talents, and what you do when you’re seeking fun. ―What would you regret not doing when you reach the end of your life? Start doing that now. ―Is your life too structured, or conversely, too unstructured? A change of industry or employment status could turn that around. ―Begin to think of a career outside of the 9 to 5, Monday through Friday box. You may want to combine some consulting with some regular part-time work. ―Focus first on the quality a work endeavor will add to your life, rather than making money your primary motivation.  If you switch to a job that pays less but makes you happier, you’re on the right track. ― Don’t let fear stop you.  Being afraid doesn’t mean your goal isn’t worthwhile; in fact, you’d be smart to expect fear. Remember, there is no rush to find the right career.  Take your time, but start today. A career counselor may have a much more realistic view of what a career change will involve.   Rather than try a career change on your own, contact a professional. Boomer Burnout Need more help? Here is an abundance of resources for Baby Boomers and senior citizens who are looking for a job change.   Mature Jobseekers Comments (0) >> Write comment Name Email Website Title Comment Write the displayed characters Add Comment

 

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