It's Not About The Job It's About Your Life!

March 2022 equal opportunity employment journal Page 11 It's Not About The Job; It's About Your Life!

When it comes to job search and career development, I think 99% of the population has it wrong and “does it backwards.” This realization comes from my more than 25 years of experience as a Career Coach, and after working with literally thousands of clients.

Looking back, I believe that this opinion has been developing in my mind for many years. But it was only recently that my thoughts crystallized into a form that I could express in a succinct message.

New clients often feel anxious about their career situations, and express a great sense of urgency or even panic about finding a new job quickly. Their focus is almost always on the JOB – “I need a new job; I have to get a job fast; Please help me land a better job now,” etc. While I understand this experience, I always try to shift the focus of the conversation to other, more important questions. You might ask, “For a person in career transition or out of work, what could be more important than quickly finding a new job?”

In my opinion, there are more profound issues to consider than “the job.” So, I ask my clients such questions as, “What sort of life do you want to lead; What kind of lifestyle appeals to you most; What are your biggest priorities; What are your core values; What do you love doing most; What kind of work do you do best; How do you

“What sort of life do you want to lead; want to spend your time; What What kind of lifestyle appeals to you most; would be your ideal quality of life; How important is salary to

What are your biggest priorities; you? What would your perfect What are your core values?" work-day look like?” and so on. Simply stated, it’s not about what kind of JOB you want; it’s about what kind of LIFE you want! When clients are faced with questions like these, they often stare at me, perplexed, wondering “what language I’m speaking.” They frequently respond by saying, “Those questions are all good and fine, but I have to find a job!” To which I reply, “Why do you need a new job? What kind of job? How will this new job align with your career goals? What makes you think that your next job will be any better than the other jobs you’ve had (and often disliked)? How does your career fit into your

overall life plan?” Predictably, the client will usually then say, “Life plan? What life plan?”

As I stated above, the problem is that most people “have it backwards.” Instead of “Ready, Aim, Fire,” they’re doing “Fire, Aim, Ready.” So of course they “miss the mark.” It’s not surprising that many people are lost or confused in their work-lives. No wonder so many people feel stuck and “tied in knots” with regard to their careers.

I don’t blame them! In fact, I can empathize. In my earlier years, I suffered through my own career struggles. It’s the way we’re raised in this culture. We are taught to focus on “getting a good job.” We are told to “always have a job,” even if that job happens to be making us miserable. No one suggests that we should focus on building a life; as opposed to just pursuing a career or landing a job.

In simple, graphic terms, here is the message most of us receive – and live by:

MODEL #1: (1) Job > (2) Career > (3) Life(style): In this order

Explanation of Model #1: Get out of school and get a job (usually by accident or by chance). The job (or series of similar jobs) shapes your career, which then determines your overall life experience. This mindset is generally “unconscious” and passive, such that your work becomes not much more than a routine or habit. The problem is that in 99% of cases, this model doesn’t work – at least, not over the long-term.

Instead, I coach my clients (and I urge YOU) to flip the formula around. I believe this is a much healthier, more productive construct:

MODEL #2: (1) Life(style) > (2) Career Job > (3) Job: In this order

Explanation of Model #2: Vividly imagine the type of life you want to have and the lifestyle you want to live. Once this image is crystal clear in your mind, commit yourself to it completely. Determine which career(s) would enable and support that particular life and lifestyle. Then, research and analyze the employment world to identify the specific job(s) that would sustainably manifest the life you envision. This model is proactive and deliberate, and it places you “in the driver’s seat” with purpose and passion! It is also sustainable over an entire career.

I realize that this model runs counter to our cultural and business norms. It might even confound or upset some people because it’s unfamiliar, uncomfortable and perhaps even threatening.

Let me say again – model #1 is broken, and it leads far too many people to career despair. When people shift their

Vividly imagine the type of life you want to have and the lifestyle you want to live.

"Your Life" continued on page 29

We are constantly growing and adapting to the changing technology of our world. Be a part of our industry-leading innovation!

Whether you are just starting out on your career journey, looking for a challenging position, or an experienced professional seeking a new opportunity, we may have just what you are in search of. Take a look at our job openings and apply today. We Make Careers Happen!

www.leviton.com/en/company/careers

Join a world-class team in providing best-in-class power electronics and repair services to the aviation industry.

Acme Aerospace LLC offers a super-charged environment for professionals looking to excel.

Visit our website and apply today.

acme-aero.com/careers

WHEN YOU WORK HERE, YOUR WORK MATTERS.

You’ll find we offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a chance to learn and grow. But when you join the Philadelphia Fed, you’ll also contribute to our shared mission to strengthen the economy and help communities thrive.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia offers its employees competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and a work environment conducive to career advancement and personal development.

We seek individuals who will support the Bank’s high standards for quality, integrity, and premier customer service.

View and apply online for current opportunities www.philadelphiafed.org/careers