One thing I resolved to do this year was to write one blog post per month that invited anyone else in the community to write a post on the same topic.
Looking for a new job causes a lot of soul-searching in addition to Google searching. On the one hand, I've just delved into applying to jobs that fit very closely to my existing job duties and experience. But on the other, I'm trying to step back mentally and take stock of my past job history, the possibilities (whether likely or remote) that I see in my future, and just my life in general.
If I'm really honest with myself about what I like and don't like about all of the above, what I think I'm capable of (or think I could be capable of with some education or training), hopefully it will help me make the best decisions in the coming months.
So this is the question that's been coming to mind recently, especially today: What would I change--about myself, my job, my home, my life? I'm really interested to hear what others think when you take stock, so if you could write your own post, or just reply to mine, I'd be grateful.
Anyway, here's what I've come up with so far. Some things on the list aren't things I necessarily think are possible or know how to work toward; this is just a rough draft of thinking about a more ideal future.
What I would change about my job:
-I would work with people who respected me and were friendlier.
-I would work in an environment where the review and reward system, the management hierarchy, and the HR department were much more effective, where it was easier to make your voice heard when you had concerns or requests.
-I would either have it be easier, more straightforward and less stressful, OR I would want more money and a title that reflects the responsibilities I have.
-I would have my own office rather than a cubicle.
(What I wouldn't want to change is also important to consider: I wouldn't want to make much less money, and I wouldn't want to work much further from home. I'd still like to work with words in some capacity. I like having a private workspace so that when I do have downtime, I can entertain myself and/or do finances without worrying about people looking over my shoulder. And I wouldn't want to punch a clock; now that I have a kid but also in general, it's much more relaxing to not have to worry about coming in within a 5-minute window.)
As for what I actually would want to do, long-term I think I'd like to proofread or copy edit more creative, interesting things than what I do now. I wouldn't mind more writing assignments; I haven't gotten to write for over a year here, and I liked that. And I wouldn't mind branching into something entirely new, that isn't writing or editing, but I'm not sure if there are any areas I could move into where I wouldn't have to start at entry level all over again -- and at this point, I'm not feeling willing to take too much of a pay cut just to move into something different.
What I would change about myself/home/life:
-If I could wave a magic wand and become more confident, more able to navigate unfamiliar situations and rooms full of strangers without appearing nervous or tongue-tied, that is without a doubt the No. 1 thing I would change.
-I would be more energetic. Sometimes I just feel like such a slug, especially compared with my more industrious partners. I'd love to get more done in a week, be more creative, be tidier, work out more, go to more social and community events.
-Sure, there are some physical things I'd change. I wish I were more skilled at grooming so my hair looked sleeker and more professional. I know I should probably wear a bit of makeup to work. My wardrobe could still use some fine-tuning. These are things I can work on, so I probably will as I continue my job search.
But I still think the top thing (if only I could change it) would be to make myself more confident and outgoing.
The good news is, thinking about my home and home life, I can't really think of much that I would change (other than the above about being more creative, social and community-involved). Some parts are in process, but I like where things are now and where they seem to be going. I'm very comfortable with the lifestyle I have, my surroundings, etc., and I couldn't ask for a better family. If anything, my nice home life makes the bad work experience look even worse by comparison!
What about you?
Share Your Thoughts: What would you change?
January 28th, 2011 at 09:14 pm
January 28th, 2011 at 10:25 pm 1296253511
What a question! I like it, causes me to take stock in myself and my situation.
About me: I'd worry less about saying the wrong thing in social situations. I am quite capable and quite competent. I like to be helpful in a supportive role, but I shudder to think of myself in a leadership position. I find myself presently in one (I volunteered to do registration for my parish's youth summer programs - read that as: I like to maintain databases and work on schedules and things BEHIND the scene). I've been foist to the front of this, as in talking as Board meetings, attending big parish meetings with paid Directors of Religious Ed, etc. and they want me to speak in front of the congregation at Mass to talk about the benefits of children's involvement. I did, though, find a backbone and say I wouldn't be hosting any overnight guests for a week.
I would like to expand my social circle of friends. I've done better initiating things with *my* friends but haven't opened up the circle. I did take the step to ask a parent I like about meeting for coffee one day, she said "yes, that would be great." I should do it more, rather than sit around and hope and wait for an invitation.
I would like to have continued open communication with my daughters, especially since they are 12 and 13. I am thankful that my oldest has been able to talk to me about "female" things, and I was able to listen and answer questions - no matter how embarrassing I find the subject matter. I would like to be more of a "yes" mom living in the moment and not stressing about being a super-planner. At home, I'd like to strike a balance between having a super clean house or a super messy house. I need to take steps daily to provide a calm and peaceful environment for my children. THis is an area that I can work on (either a slug or super-woman - need to find an inbetween area).
I need to work more on living in the moment and not worrying about things that might or might not happen. This has been a challenge lately. I also need to continue to do things to help those less fortunate than us.
Whew, looking forward to what others say, too!
January 29th, 2011 at 02:23 am 1296267813
Though it's been a rough few years on the medical front, the truth is I am in a VERY good and happy spot. So much so that I am not really working towards anything in particular at the moment. The kids seem to be at a very easy age, the hubby and I have an amazing relationship lately. My job is awesome. We live in a really great community. The kids are doing great and attend an amazing school.
I do wish that more of our family and friends lived closer. It depends on the day, and I am quite pleased to have space from MIL. IT's gotten infinitely easier over the years, but I miss just popping by my folks place in the space of 10 minutes, or doing more spontaneous get-togethers with my friends. Some of that is age/kids/responsibilities more than distance. The truth is that the distance is the trade off to a much more slow and happier lifestyle, so probably worth the price.
I will ponder more in my blog.
January 29th, 2011 at 04:51 am 1296276701
My husband is feeling much the same way with his job lately. He's pretty much at the top pay for what he does, and with how lean businesses are running, his work load and stress level have been high. He's keeping his eyes and ears open, but isn't ready yet to jump ship for less earnings. Here's to decent pay for appreciated, challenging, but not overly so, work!
January 29th, 2011 at 05:18 am 1296278339
January 29th, 2011 at 02:50 pm 1296312647
What would I change now? I would like to be in a job where I was appreciated more, and where the workload wasn't so unreasonable. I wish I had friends here (and I acknowledge that I haven't really pushed this). I would like to, once and for all, conquer my weight problems and feel like I look like a normal person instead of a heavy person. I, like others, wish I were more articulate and outgoing.
Mostly, at this stage of my life, I want to be happy with my lot in life, and I am working on that.