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Top Tips to Avoid Being in the Wrong Job
1. Rate your satisfaction at work right now
Anything below 7 is a warning sign. If you're operating below 5, it's simply unacceptable. You deserve to give yourself better. Ask yourself, is this a temporary dip, or has it been going on for some time? We all have temporary dips, but if yours is something more long term, don't ignore it. Don't let it become a habit. Habit breeds tolerance!
2. Work to keep your satisfaction rating high in your current job
However you rate your satisfaction at work, it's worth putting the effort in to improve it. If you're one of the highs, beware complacency. If you're a low, think of how can you be part of the solution rather than the problem. Do a reality check - is it the job, or is it you? Who do you need to talk to about this and what do you need to say? What can you do to make your current work more enjoyable? What goals can you set yourself to inspire you? How can you connect more with people? How can you do more of what makes you buzz?
3. Accept that the need for change is natural
As human beings, we need change. We atrophy if things stay the same. What was challenging and enjoyable before, may constitute rut territory now. As your life moves on, often your work needs to as well. That may mean changing jobs, changing companies, changing careers. It may mean it's time to set up on your own. What does it mean for you?
4. Have courage
Change isn't easy, especially when you're thinking about it. It's okay to feel scared. There would be no need for courage if you weren't scared! If you're worried about what you'll lose if you leave, what will you lose if you stay? If everyone thinks you're successful, so what? What do you think? What looks great on paper isn't necessarily great in reality. What have you really got to lose? Do some big picture thinking.
5. Take action
Ignoring negative feelings, panicking, distracting yourself or feeling guilty don't help. They just fuel the problem. The famous mystic and poet, Rumi, said 'Counterfeiters exist because there is such a thing as real gold.' Think about it. No matter how it seems, you always have choice. Do what you have to do.
