Making Changes

If you're feeling that conflicting values or expectations of the job are robbing you of the opportunity to be positive, maybe it's time to look at other possibilities and make a change: a change of expectations or a change of jobs.

		Re-evaluate your expectations of the job and/or yourself. maybe you've had unrealistic goals and expectations. Change them so you're not trying to achieve the impossible. Or possibly, some of your personal needs may never be met through this particular job. You may have to find ways to satisfy these needs outside your job.
		Change your job. You may have to work for change within the organization, transfer to a different position, look at retraining possibilities or look for another job with another company. Maybe you are in a field of work that is unsuitable for you; consider a career change.

Change Can Be Positive

Many people stay on in jobs they hate. Why? For many, it's fear of change. That's understandable - in our present jobs, everything is so routine and everyone is so familiar. We know all the ropes: the daily routine tasks, the acceptable procedures for getting the job done, what's expected of us, and even the every day usage of common terms or "jargon" particular to our workplace. Plus, we know who's who, and how to deal with different personalities - be it supervisors, co-workers, clients/customers, or people outside the organization.

Changing jobs would mean having to learn new procedures, work with new people, and perform new or very different tasks. It involves a willingness to take risks and to initiate change. For many of us those are big steps to take. Yet, we can start small by simply asking ourselves "have the things I liked about my job changed since I first started the job, and if so, do I accept those changes?" If you don't accept the changes in your job, then consider what steps can be taken to bring about the change(s) you want.

Many positives can come from changing jobs or occupations. Change can offer you the opportunity for:

		Being Energized! Working in a different environment is much like experiencing that much needed breath of fresh air. It can do wonders in helping to revitalize your mind, your spirit and your whole being. Sometimes you can regain your enthusiasm and energy through change.
		Trying something different and utilizing your transferable skills in a new setting.
		Nourishing your personal strengths and maximizing your potential. It's a chance to learn something new, acquire new skills and grow.

Be Positive. Go for it! Take Control. When you're trying to determine whether or not you need to make a change, don't feel you have to handle this decision alone. Seeking assistance from those close to you and from professional counselors can offer you some of the information and emotional support you need.

Today many of us want to satisfy our needs for self-fulfillment both during and outside of our workday - working toward a balanced life of learning, working and playing. That isn't easy to do. Juggling our lives between each of these activities is one great balancing act.

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