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The Real
Workplace: When Reality Bites
(by
Christine
Hassler, author of "The 20 Something Manifesto") |
Congratulations! You've graduated from college,
successfully completed the resume shuffle and interview
dance, and now are knee deep into your first job in the
"real world." Fancy laptop bag in hand, new work outfit
laundered, you feel the essence of carpe diem pulsing
through your blood. That is until reality does indeed
start to bite.
All of a sudden the job you thought you wanted has you
questioning your entire well-planned career path. You
start watching the clock on the wall ticking down to
closing time like a hawk watching its prey. The passion
you expected to feel is non-existent. You may find
yourself forging ahead on the path you have convinced
yourself to follow, not taking the time to evaluate your
own passions.
Or maybe you have found a niche for yourself, but aren't
getting the recognition, respect, or responsibilities
you think you deserve? The nuts-and-bolts of working
your way up the ladder remain daunting, and you question
the playing field that you are in.
Or the job that you were so excited about has you so
completely exhausted, mentally and physically, that you
can barely bring yourself to face another work day. You
aren't living the rocking twenty-something "Friends-esque"
life you expected to have because you barely have time
to sleep much less meet friends for an over-priced
coffee. You wonder if all the stress is worth it.
So here you are - a grown person, free to be whoever you
want, do what you want, but maybe a tiny bit of you
feels trapped and overwhelmed by all these new
obligations and decisions. How do you cope?
First, whenever you are facing workplace doubt, know
that you are NORMAL and admit to your doubts. Did you
really think you were supposed to know exactly what you
wanted to do with your life when someone in a robe
handed you a diploma. Eliminate that expectation all
together and allow yourself time to think, question, and
simply say "I don't know." Those three little words may
bruise your ego, but it isn't a weakness to seek
guidance and to take the time to figure out what matters
most to you before you make your next move.
It is a difficult transition from college to the
workforce, but don't be afraid to take some chances and
find a job that works for you instead of vice versa. The
right fit, or the first step on the right path, usually
doesn't happen on the first try. People hold an average
of 8.6 jobs between the ages of 18 and 32.
If a fulfilling career is what you want, then be
fearless, analyze and use your strengths, and channel
these insightful words from John F. Kennedy, "The one
unchangeable certainty is that nothing is unchangeable
or certain."
Helpful Tips for the Twenty-Something Work World
Scenario 1: You're not happy at your
job, it's monopolizing your time and you're losing sight
of yourself. Triple shots of espresso and good chocolate
aren't even helping you get through the day.
1) It's easy to get bogged down with getting settled
into a new job and forget yourself. Think about what you
used to do when you had more time, the small things that
made you happy, and try to incorporate some back into
your life. It's essential to create habits of work/life
balance in your twenties otherwise you are headed toward
early hair loss and premature wrinkles.
2) Maybe your job is overwhelming even after you have
settled into the routine. Don't be afraid to discuss
your workload with your boss. It could be a simple
matter of communication. Asking what the most important
tasks are, making sure to finish what is crucial, and
feeling alright about leaving the rest for another day.
While you want to be seen as hard-working and efficient,
a boss will appreciate your honesty and willingness to
strategize to get the work done.
3) Think about the career path you truly want and if
this job will lead you where you want to go. Commit to
conducting at least five informational interviews with
people in five different professions to get a sense of
other paths you could explore.
Scenario 2: You have a job you like,
working towards a career you feel you want, but want a
raise or a promotion. You daydream about a business card
with your name and new title in some fancy font.
1) Reality Check! You can't expect to be thought of as
your company's saving grace in your first few weeks or
months on the job. Think about how long you've been at
the company, how well you are doing at your job, and if
you've been looking for ways to take on new
responsibility. An employee deserving of a raise or
promotion doesn't just do his or her job well, but looks
to the next step, embracing every opportunity to shine.
Entitlement gets you nowhere.
2) Look at your coworkers. Watch how they work, how they
communicate, how they attain goals and meet
expectations, and how they interact in various
situations. Assess who seems to be successful and
effective. Notice which employees get the most attention
and/or responsibility from upper level management.
3) Make a list of the reasons you deserve a
raise/promotion, and any new ideas you have to take on
more responsibility and/or make work more efficient.
Know salaries for similar positions in cities with
comparable costs of living. Have an exact figure in mind
that you intend to ask for. Be reasonable, not greedy,
and be honest with yourself and with your employer. Then
set a time to meet with your boss. Get on his or her
schedule by saying you'd like to have an appointment for
a review and to discuss your growth at the company.
Being your own advocate is a skill integral to your
success.
Scenario 3: You hate your job. It seems
your work is taking over your life, your mind, your
sanity. Sometimes you imagine making a voodoo doll of
your boss.
1) No job is worth your health or your sanity. There's a
big difference between paying your dues and just plain
paying.
2) Is it the work you hate or the environment? Do you
like the everyday duties, but cringe at being around
your boss or coworkers? If so, maybe you have the right
gig, but the wrong company. Start searching for similar
positions at other companies.
3) If you don't like the work or the company, that is
great news. Sometimes the path to figuring out what we
want is a process of elimination. Make a list of other
things you like to do, careers you have considered.
Narrow down your choices, and compare them with your
current skill set. Start looking for a job or applying
to schools or programs that will lead you to where you
want to be.
4) Leaving a secure job can be frightening. It isn't
always possible to line up a new job before you leave
the old one. Study your finances and see where you
stand. Can you wait on buying a new computer or taking
that weekend trip with friends if it means you won't
have to be at your job another week?
5) Make a "pros and cons" list for staying versus
leaving. Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts
that it clarifies our real desires to see them on paper.
Go with your instinct and your heart. Even if sometimes
you feel like you're treading water, know the lifeline
is in trusting yourself, and knowing you have the
strength to take the steps towards a personally and
professionally rewarding career.
Based on the book 20 Something Manifesto. Copyright 2008
by Christine Hassler. Reprinted with permission of New
World Library, Novato, CA.
www.newworldlibrary.com
Christine Hassler left her successful job as a
Hollywood agent at twenty-five to pursue a life she
could be passionate about. In 2005, she wrote the first
guide book exclusively for young women, entitled
Twenty-Something, Twenty-Everything: A Quarter-life
Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction. As a life coach,
she specializes in relationships, career, and
self-identity with a counseling emphasis. As a
professional speaker, Christine leads seminars and
workshops for audiences around the country. She has
appeared on The Today Show, CNN, and PBS. She lives in
Los Angeles. Her website is www.christinehassler.com.
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