Early in my professional career, I found the following 5 questions in a magazine. I cut it out (see above) and would refer to it, at least once a year, to ask myself these questions about my current job/position.
- Does this job allow me to work with “my people” – individuals who share my sensibilities about life- or do I have to put on a persona to get through the day?
- Does this job challenge, stretch, change, and otherwise make me smarter – or does it leave my brain in neutral?
- Does this job, because of the company’s “brand” or my level of responsibility, open the door to future jobs?
- Does this job represent a considerable compromise for the sake of my family, and if so, do I sincerely accept that deal with all of it’s consequences?
- Does this job-the stuff I actually do day-to-day – touch my heart and feed my soul in meaningful ways?
If I answered no to any of these 5 questions, I would take stock of my options and decide to look for a new job or position within my current company. This was something I promised myself to do every year.
I share this with you now since I truly believe it is important to take an ‘inventory’ of your satisfaction with your career on a regular basis and promise yourself to take action if you do answer No.
Laura