Articles & News About Your Career

Does Your Career Change Itch or Burn?

Two weeks ago, I received a newsy email from a former client. Dan gave me the scoop on his life and new love, and ended by saying that while work had improved, he was feeling the itch again to go after career change. He would soon give me a call for some personal coaching sessions.

I replied nicely to all his news, and on the itch, I said: "Call me when it's a burn."

Why this tough love response?

I meet scores of professionals who are unhappy with their work. In almost seven years, I've never seen an individual make a significant shift unless there is a burning desire to change. You must have a clear articulation of the personal gain you see for yourself at the end of the career-change rainbow – and this personal gain must be greater than the pain of staying in place. I didn't want Dan to waste his time, energy, or for that matter, money.

So, how do you know if you're feeling an itch or a burn?

Itches are usually situational. A confrontation with a fellow worker... a poor performance review... a disagreement with your boss... environmental stress. Itches create lots of smoke, like "I can't wait to get out of here." or "This is it. I'm leaving." But no focused action towards change.

And these "reaction" moments are often followed by patches where work is really okay – an interesting project in the works, shared good feelings. In other words, the motivation to change is externally driven. It waxes and wanes based on what is happening in one's environment. All of us have career itches at one time or another.

Burns go much deeper. They are itches that don't go away... they've been around for a long time (a year or more)... and they have wrenched your value system to the point that:

1. You can no longer compartmentalize work vs. life.

2. You find it almost impossible (maybe even terrifying) to drag yourself out of bed on Monday mornings.

3. You go through the motions at work – your feelings are completely disconnected from your work activities.

4. Your energy hits the skids; you get sick a lot or have difficulty shaking a common cold.

5. You may feel hopeless or a little (or a lot) depressed.

It's a significant difference, don't you agree?

Itchers have a quite a few avenues for regaining their balance –setting firmer workplace boundaries, finding a fulfilling outlet outside of work, engaging in physical and emotional self-care that allows you to better shrug things off.

Burners – you can do these things, too, but it's probably not your ultimate fix. A value system pulled apart is only mended when there is a re-alignment between body, mind and spirit. For burners, career change is not an option – it's a requirement.

Take some time off to re-gain your energy and perspective. In this more relaxed state, figure out how to get some help. Your Employee Assistance Plan? Mentor or understanding colleague? Initially, don't try to solve the entire problem – just map out a few next steps and give yourself a timetable. Your world will brighten simply as a result of putting yourself in choice and action.

Patricia Soldati is a former President & COO of a national finance organization who re-invented her working life in 1999. Now, as a career fulfillment specialist, she guides unhappy corporate professionals into meaningful work -- both inside and outside the corporate walls.

For more about her background and approach or to receive 5 Complimentary Career Change Lessons, visit http://www.purposefulwork.com

Other Article Sites

findabook.com  moneycd.info  a-mortgage.info   about-lemon-laws.info  aboutstudentloans.info
all-about-publishing.info  auctions-articles.info  bestcollege-university.com  bestispconnection.com
biblefolder.com  blogger-website.com  books-used.info  brokers-guide.info  buywindows.info  cable-dsl.info
career-miner.com  carpel-tunnel.info  cashinaflash.info  cashloanreviews.info  casinobell.com  chat-house.info
clearmycredit.info  collegeloantips.info  crones.info  depression-articles.info   dirnic.net  dishguides.info
divers-below.com  expodog.info   financewizz.com  fire-insurance.info  getgood.info  handleit.net   it-idea.info
health-supplies.info  hosting-right.com  insidealert.com  insurance-facts.info  jobs-employment.info
justgood.info  lookgold.net   lowcost-travel.info  money-source.info  myhostzone.info  numisblog.com
peoplesearchfinder.info  pr-articles.info  realeas.com   refinancing-guides.info  spyware-remove.info
telelot.info  the-law.info   toppaid.info  travel-deals.info  travelcorrect.com  wedding-guide-site.com
your-blog.info  your-credit.info

Free Work From Home Employment Ideas and Opportunities
If you are smart and creative there are many free work from home employment ideas and opportunities that you can choose from to start a career or build a business The first idea that you can cash on is the prospect of writing, editing, or proof reading

Diet: How to really make your Diet work for you?
First of all, you need to understand, that your body needs a proper Balanced Nutrition Diet, with a proper daily amount of: vitamins, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates.

Online Data Entry Jobs - Are They For Real?
Can?t believe so many people have profited from online data entry jobs? Well, it?s true. The good news is that you can benefit from it too! Read on to find out exactly how to do that.

Wii Fit "does it work"
I have had my wii fit board since the launch day in the UK and I am still happy with it, as for whether I am any fitter or any of my family, I dont think so, but I must say we are all better at balancing than we were before. Some of the activities are very strenuous especially the hula hoop and the heading game.

The MedZilla Report: January Employment Outlook for Biotech/Pharma/Health
Despite the wild economic swings that were the hallmark of January, companies were still looking for employees in medical care, clinical research, and even sales -- the most popular of the jobs in the medical field. But even more interestingly, MedZilla.com, which tracks job postings and applications in the medical and pharmaceutical arenas, discovered candidates weren't necessarily trying to fill those open positions.

How to Write Press Releases That Work And Get Free Publicity
One study found that as many as 90% of the stories you read every day in the newspaper came about because someone sent a press release. Why aren't some of those stories about you?When people see you in the media, you become familiar, even famous! And it gives you credibility.

Understanding the Intricacies of Employment Law in Woodland Hills
An employee being sexually harassed discriminated against or wrongfully deprived of overtime pay and seeking recovery thereof, may find the experience puzzling, tiresome and emotionally stressful.

The Truth Behind Carhartt Work Gloves Revealed!
Have you been using Carhartt work gloves for decades Have you noticed something different as of late

Encouragement--Heart At Work
Encouragement can have a very powerful effect on bosses and co-workers. The literal meaning of the word, encourage, is to put heart into.

Work From Home Hype And Baloney!
I have a lot of emails from senior citizens who now have time on their side and are looking for opportunities in the Internet that actually work.

Impact of Drugs in Work Place
Drug abuse, involves the excessive and repeated use of a substance to escape reality to produce pleasure despite its destructive effects. The substances abused can be illegal drugs such as opium, cocaine, marijuana and their derivatives or legal substances used improperly, such as prescription drugs and inhalants like nail polish or gasoline.

Career Search for Your Next Interview
If you are looking for a career change and intend to get your first job interview by looking at newspaper ad, the probability that you may successfully get your ideal career is very low.

Success Secrets To Having A Successful Work At Home Business.
Success secrets to having a successful work at home business.

How State Benefits Work in California
State benefits refer to any regular long-term payment from a government. This may be in the form of state pension, benefits for low income, children, careers, incapacity or sickness.