I've Sold My Soul to My Job!

Resources on: Job, Fulfilling, Manageable, Toward and Goal

IS YOUR JOB SUCKING THE LIFE OUT OF YOU? Do you feel like you've sold your soul to your work? If so, you're not alone. Studies show that many Americans, up to 90% of us, are unhappy with our current job. Does this sound familiar? Here's the danger; the discouragement that comes from merely surviving your career can become an immobilizing distraction. 

In Homer's Odyssey, Sirens, with irresistible influence, lured mariners to destroy themselves on the rocks. Ulysses knew he would not be able to resist the distraction of the Sirens, so he had his men put wax plugs in their ears to elude the destructive song. He bound himself to the mast so he could not follow the devastating influence of their words. He depended upon the crew's vision, strength and persistence to prevent his own distraction from ending their journey. 

AN OVERWHELMING, ALL-CONSUMING JOB CAN FEEL JUST AS CONTROLLING AS THE SIRENS DID TO ULYSSES. 

Maybe you feel stuck - like you're spending your life on something you just can't stand. You want to find something new and fulfilling but can't seem to take the first step.

When my son was young and I told him to go clean his room, he would sit in his room, crying. The job was just too big for him to tackle and he couldn't even begin. 

If I told him to put away 3 things he would do it cheerfully, in 2 minutes. He could pick up 3 things at a time until his room was clean. By breaking one disheartening job into several simple steps, he was able to complete the task that, before, stopped him from doing anything. 

FINDING A FULFILLING JOB CAN BE REDUCED to a few manageable steps that will keep you moving toward your goal. 

1. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT. 

Set your goals, envision your target and do something every day to obtain it. 

2. UPDATE YOUR CAREER MARKETING DOCUMENTS.

Your resume cannot be outdated or average - it must be outstanding! You have a recruiter's not-so-undivided attention for only 30 seconds in which your resume is either SINGLED OUT or TOSSED OUT. 

3. STRATEGICALLY PLAN YOUR SEARCH.

Learn the latest tips for searching online. Find a way to network that is comfortable for you. Prepare and practice for upcoming interviews so your potential employer will know exactly why they must hire you. 

4. DON'T LET DISCOURAGEMENT DISTRACT YOU.

Find someone to support you when you get pulled off course, stopped in your tracks or sent back to square one. 

ULYSSES PARTNERED WITH SOMEONE (THE MEN WITH EAR PLUGS) TO KEEP HIS SHIP ON COURSE and restrained himself knowing he could not withstand the distraction. THE SIRENS DIED when Ulysses' ship sailed beyond them. DISCOURAGEMENT ALSO DIES once you move beyond it. 

The key is to NOT be diverted by the distraction of discouragement but instead cruise by, RIGHT ON COURSE. 

YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP! If stress, frustration and guilt, from the job you have, are not the life components you crave, then the time to change that is right now! Do one thing today to put control of your career, and your life, back in your hands. 
IT'S UP TO YOU! 

STOP MERELY SURVIVING YOUR CAREER and find out how to claim, "I, not my employer, am in charge of me being happily employed." Debi Bogard is a Certified Career Management Coach who helps frazzled professionals develop a rewarding career that also allows time for themselves and their families. Call Debi at (877) 460-7271 to schedule your complimentary coaching session - no strings and no obligation - just a gift. Visit www.careerformulas.com and receive a free "Quick Start Guide