All of us crave for that dream job. We put a great deal of thought in analysing our strengths and limitations, research the industries, evaluate the monetary package, the work profile and so many other variables. Despite all this exercise, there is something we miss out. It is a secret that we are unaware of. And I am revealing it now:
'You are a lot better than you think you are.'
Now, the question really is: Does your job enlighten you in that direction? This might not exactly match your dream. But it could still be a dream job waiting to be discovered.
Here are a few tests to find out:
Does it break your perceptions?
We are great story tellers. We make believable stories and through these we define what we are and what we are not. We tell the world and more importantly we tell ourselves how wonderful we are at selling but poor in organizing, we are fantastic at desk job but bad on field, we can make nice presentations, we cannot draw, we can work with numbers, we cannot get along with certain group of people. In short, we are this and we are not that. Having defined such boundaries, we then comfortably function within the framework. As time goes by, these perceptions only get rigid.
Our job must shake this comfort and help us break these myths. It is never a smooth transition. It is a battle. We must face situations in job that force us to question such ideas and succumb to the demands of work. Is your set of perceptions today the same as it used to be a year ago? Your answer will indicate whether your job is as good as you.
How about that Ego?
Ego is the biggest enemy of man. Yet, we hold on to it like a piece of gold. Our job is not good enough if it feeds our ego instead of crushing it. From time to time the job must challenge our sense of control. It must humble us and make us realize how little we know. It must build a desire and need in us to learn more, do more.
But here is where we draw a line- while the ego needs to be eliminated, self esteem must be preserved. Every individual irrespective of the title or work profile deserves to be treated with respect. Tough talking might be needed. But there is no excuse for abusive language and insults at workplace under the pretext of getting one to perform.
Kill the ego but protect the self esteem.
Does it offer security?
In the context of job, the term 'security' it is a passé. Workplaces are meant to be competitive where we must keep proving ourselves. It is only natural to feel the need for security. However, our idea of the concept must be corrected. If we are turning to something external as a job for offering us security, we are searching in the wrong place. Security is really experienced only when we realize our potential. The work we do is a means to explore this potential.
A comfortable stress free job is unexciting and can never help us explore ourselves.
And the work –life balance?
If we do not have sufficient work to keep us fully engaged, it is unlikely that we will enjoy life in general. Contrary to what we believe, a low volume of work does not provide a peaceful state of mind. It may provide the free time. But the inefficiency seeps into other aspects of our life and leaves us with a sense of underachievement.
To make the most of our time OFF, we must make the most of our time ON. There must be enough and more work to do so that we learn to get organized and develop innovative ways to tackle each task. Targets and deadlines are good. They stretch us and compel us to find creative ways of cracking them. It forces us towards efficiency. No matter how much we complain, in the end we are left with a sense of accomplishment. That feeling is unmatched.
Who are the people you work with?
Striking cordial work relationship with other people is one of the biggest challenges in a job. Being a people's person is essentially a leadership trait and an art that only few have mastered. Our job must give us ample opportunities to meet and interact with diverse groups of people – some of whom we may get along well with and most of whom we don't. They could be our team members, bosses, colleagues or customers. Each such interaction is an opportunity for us to practice this art. There is absolutely nothing that can happen in seclusion and hence people skills are a sure road to professional growth and personal well being. Patience, tolerance, adaptability, acceptance, are virtues that are hidden inside us. They must be forced to be brought to play. Does your job provide enough scope to explore the talent in you? Are you using those opportunities?
It is a law of nature that no growth happens without pain. Look back at the last few years of your job. How was the journey? If you have done the kind of work you always expected to do, if you achieved what you always knew you would, I am afraid, you are heading for stagnancy and degeneration. If you have surprised yourself more than four times in the last one year, never mind the so called pressure , a nagging boss or extended work hours, hold on to that dream job.
The author is Founder & Director at InspHigher Learning.
