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Let’s call it the GIG Syndrome for the”Grass is Greener.” News about the economy is erratic. Competition is fierce for jobs. But when your job interferes with your work/life balance, the GIG Syndrome may affect your thinking.
Let’s take Daniel, for example. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he went to work for Texas Instruments, well known for a great work atmosphere. After a few years, he wanted to return to graduate school. His boss urged him to advance his career opportunities by achieving the new degree. TI assisted with the tuition but he thought the grass would be greener elsewhere. He went to work for a monstrous computer company after he graduated. He thought earning more money, plus living in Colorado near beloved mountains would assuage his desire for change. But disappointment reigns for him in his present environment. Recent corporate acquisitions and a lack of internal structure in this company contribute to his current misery. His new job, which is near the college where he received his MBA, is not in a major metropolitan area. He likes the town but few opportunities exist which would mean a better work environment. Could this be you?
Daniel Pink, the prolific and provocative writer about work, has a new book, titled Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, but fails in his attempt to convince me that he has all the answers. Although his cartoon book, called The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need provides a quick study for career change, finding more job satisfaction requires focus and diligence.
In a recent quick blog by Gavin Davis on RecruitingBlogs.com this week, he stresses the need to brainstorm before you ever start moving forward. What do you like about your current job? What is critical for your happiness? Could you live like a pauper while you attended the certification classes for another career? All too many times people don’t realize career change often means less money, at least for awhile.
The big question is why do you really want a new job? Creative thinking about your skills, experience and education should be examined carefully and courageously. Too many times our egos hinder us from moving into something else. But the truth is that stories abound about people who move their careers one way or another.
We are fortunate that career ladders are no longer in vogue. Be aware that the career “lattice” where you can move up, down or over allows you to find your dream job. If you can’t say, “I love my job,” then it is time to think about what would bring you more happiness and satisfaction.
I wrote the book MORE than a Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change to give readers role models and ideas to motivate them to change. The book provides 20 stories about people who have moved their careers in various ways. Life is too short to be unhappy in your job for more than a little while. Do you have to travel too much? Is your boss an ogre? Do you hate to go to work? Then get going!
Career change is rarely easy and may take a little longer than looking for the same job in a different company. Finding passion in your work will bring amazing rewards. The grass may seem greener on the other side of the fence, but serious introspection and planning are required to help you do more than just look for greener pastures!
If you would like to read more articles on career transition, please click here.