We are in the midst of a global recession, if you have a job, count yourself lucky. Lucky or not, the UK workforce is not a happy one. The CIPD’s most recent Employee Outlook survey unveiled that job satisfaction has plunged from 46 to 37 in 2009.
Does loving your job really mean you have to do what you enjoy? Or do you merely need to change your attitude towards it?
Chantél du Plooy investigates why people stay in jobs they don’t like what the advantages are when you love your job? And she talks to three people who each have a different approach to being passionate about what you do.
Making you vocation your vacation
Mark Twain, who wrote best sellers like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, once said: “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.”
Ben Southall, the 34 year old “Best Job” winner from Hampshire has unknowingly taken Mark Twain’s words to heart. Ben competed against thousands of entrants to win Tourism Queensland’s caretaker position. The package includes living in a three bedroom beach house in Australia’s Hamilton Island and experiencing all the adventures in the area, while getting paid generously to do so. All Ben needs to do is blog and brag about his adventures.
Obviously, not everyone can become island caretakers and the good news is not everyone wants to be. Luckily we all differ from each other and your idea of a dream job might be your neighbour’s worst nightmare.
But if people are truly unsatisfied with their vocations, why aren’t they doing something about it?
According to Paula Caligiuri, a professor in Human Resource Management, people stay in jobs they hate due to financial responsibility, retention incentives and fear of change. They could also stay because they feel they have invested too many years at a specific company or due to a pessimistic mindset where they belief that nobody really enjoys their work.
However, when you make your vocation your vacation there are various obvious advantages. Seeing as most of your day is spent at work, loving your job will get you to enjoy your time there. When you love what you do, you will take extra care when doing it and this could result in higher quality work. And most importantly, if you find enjoyment in your 9 5, Monday to Friday due to job inspiration it can contribute to give your life meaning, purpose and direction.
Live to work, or work to live
Jean (27) an accountant from London doesn’t love his job. However, he stays in it because he makes enough money to do the things he does love, makes up for it.
“I use my money to go on exotic holidays, eat out and do fun things. That to me, makes it worth going to work everyday,” he admitted.
Kerry (29) a former nurse from Manchester gave up nursing to live out a passion which was imprinted in her heart since the age of 12.
“I have always wanted to be a photographer,” Kerry said.
“My parents on the other hand, wanted me to get a proper degree behind my name. So I did. But after two degrees in nursing and working in the profession for several years, I knew I definitely had another calling.”
With the support of her husband as well as her parents, Kerry had the courage to pursue a new career at the age of 28.
“I left the clinical intensive care unit and a neat nurse’s uniform for the crazy arty surroundings of a photography school where nothing is too weird or out of the box. I took every last penny I had, took out a huge loan and started my business in the already over populated field of work,” she said.
“My business is 8 months old now and doing extremely well. I remember a quote from Richard Branson, where he said that if you love what you do, you never need to ‘work’ another day in your life. Now that I do what I love I can agree with him. I am totally a different person, wife and mother as a result of it,” she enthused.
Changing your attitude/ Happiness at work
Recently Chiumento Consulting commissioned a survey called Happiness at Work Index which unveiled that 20 of UK employees are unhappy at work.
According to the survey, happiness at work has more to do with communication from top management than it has to do with how much money you get or what you do.
Happiness at work is also a state of mind, which an individual contributes to their environment, Dr Laurel Edmunds, Head of Research at iOpener, believes. “You have to start with a positive outlook, no matter what your circumstances and then good things will come to you. It’s a bottom up process,” he said.
Liz (32) a sales manager from Birmingham also believes that motivation in the workplace comes from within. “My passion is to be successful at whatever I do. To do every task I am given, at which ever level to the best of my ability,” she said.
“I love working with my hands and being creative through painting, decorating and baking but I get to do these things after hours. In the mornings I put on my uniform and adjust my attitude positively. “Through gaining successful results, I find happiness,” said Liz.
Quick tips to change your career
It is possible that some people can stick through a career they don’t particularly love in order to subsidise after hour enjoyment. It is also possible for others to fine tune their feelings towards their vocation because they happen to be great at it. But for some people a longing for a specific career is too consuming to be substituted with money, success or attitude adjustments.
If you want to change careers, here are five tips to help you on your way:
1. Decide what career you really want and go for it
2. Get professional help: Investigate your new career. Talk to people who are in the profession and visit online resources like:
www.careeranalysts.co.uk
www.ivillage.co.uk
3. Formulate a plan: Don’t quit your current job unless you have a plan in place. A career change is exciting but can also create unnecessary financial strain if you don’t take precautions
4. Create goals: Set yourself specific goals towards your dream and add time limits to each one
5. Do it: By sticking to your goals and making the necessary sacrifices you will be on your way to your new career in no time
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