My Career: More Questions Than Answers
I tend to know what I want out of life. And if I make a mistake, I correct it as quickly as possible. More often than not, thanks in part to a perfect mix of in-tune instincts and obsessive research, I make the right choices.
Marrying the perfect woman. Check.
Buying a great house. Check.
Landing my dream gig...
No check.
Why is it that in a world where I am confident about the decisions I make, I am still unsure about my career choices and where I am heading next?
I like what I do. It pays the bills, it's challenging (at times), and I generally like the people I work with. Yet at this job, and everyone that has preceded it, I find myself asking the same question over and over again...
IS THIS IT?
It was this reoccurring question that led me to start Jobacle.com back in 2005. I'd like to hope I'm closer to the answer than ever before, but I'm simply not sure. It's a moving target.
My first mistake might have been expecting this feeling to fade; the answer to rear its glorious head. But as I sit here and type this, thinking about the work week ahead, I am more unsure than ever before.
Let's look at my options. I could go back to school. I could launch a full-blown career transition. I know I have the dedication and intelligence to succeed at either. However it all comes down to a question I have never been able to answer...
WHAT IS IT I WANT TO DO?
I think I have the answer. Something creative yet controlled. Independent yet interactive. Making a difference would be nice. The hours should be regular but flexible. Dress code neat but fair. A private workspace that does not repel collaboration. If there must be a boss, all I ask is that they are honest, fair and better than me at what we do.
It looks like I want an oxymoron, My perfect job might not exist.
I've taken more online career quizzes than I'd care to admit. I've met with career counselors. Therapists. If the work-related book exists, I've read it. But don’t bother asking me what color my parachute is, I have no idea.
The past 10 years of my career have not been a waste. I have learned lessons about myself and the corporate world. I know what I like about a job and what I won't put up with. If I am closer to the answer, it sure doesn't feel like it.
Are my expectations out of line? I just want a sign that I am not on a wild goose chase.
I'd love to hear from you. What are the career questions you constantly find yourself coming back to? This is not to commiserate in a negative fashion, rather the opposite. Perhaps together we can figure out the answers.
Jobacle.com, together with the Working Podcast have grown beautifully over the years, but I still feel like it's missing that community aspect. I'm not talking about some bullshit profile where you upload a thumbnail of your face and write a bio. I'm talking about creating a Website where we face these unanswered questions down together.
We’re Jobacle.com and I sure hope we can help. Feel free to contact me.
Andrew G.R.
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Reader Comments (4)
I will also re-evaluate my expectations of work. You are right. I simply might be expecting too much.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
What I've learned? Nothing....
The process is always the same: I like something, I live a couple of days with the thought of it as an opportunity and then next week I find something "better". There always are advantages and disadvantages.
There is something I've realized: there is no such thing as a dream job or a career. The humans are rather so complex and changing, that even if they "find" their dream job after some time they get bored. The thing is to control your thoughts, to challenge yourself in order to be happy with what you have. If not, eventually doubt will rise which will lead to the feeling that something is missing. Our interests shift, the food we like, the music we listen.... We don't know what we want and that's OK! The thing is that the more we have the bigger our demands are, so we are happy as long as everything is the way we like it. BTW sure you've seen the Steve Jobs's speech, but just in case: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM I can't agree with everything, but many truths are told.
Sooo what I was saying... Nevermind...
Always place big goals! This will keep you interested! If you are sick of something change it! You will do great just because it will be extremely important for you! Don't just change your thoughts - change everything around you!!!
I hope something of what I've said made sense to you and was helpful!
Nikola