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Purposeful Careers:

How passionate are you about your career?

As you settle back into a new year at work, now would be a great time to check in on your motivation levels and satisfaction with your current role.

It is a well known fact that people who are passionate about their jobs and feel fulfilled in what they are doing, are far more productive and energetic in comparison to people who dread even the thought of having to go to work.

Dissatisfaction, boredom and non-motivation are contributing factors towards burnout – a serious and increasingly widespread condition.

If you have accepted the status quo and regularly find yourself mumbling “I hate my job” but doing nothing about it, you may already be in the grip of burnout.

Further signs of burnout include:

? Loss of purpose and direction in life;
? Diminished self-esteem and confidence;
? Tiredness and lack of energy;
? Sudden mood swings - easily becoming impatient or irritated with those around you;
? Becoming reliant on or increasing your usage of alcohol or drugs; and
? Lack of interest in your work.

After completing the Career Checklist below it may become apparent that you need to take action today, to finally get out of that rut and off that “boredom” treadmill. This may come through either:

Undertaking some professional development courses which will allow you to increase your existing functions and job scope;

Harnessing any newly-learned skills from last year to support you in taking on more challenging projects and assignments;

Showcasing your most recent achievements to reinforce your move to a more senior role; or
an indication that it would be wise to undergo further assessments and self- exploration in order to assist you in making a complete career change to a role that is far more satisfying and rewarding.

Career Checklist:

1. My career reflects my interests and I feel passionate about what I do.
2. My role allows me to harness and utilise my special talents.
3. I love what I do and would do it for free.
4. I look forward to Monday mornings.
5. I have respect for my colleagues, co-workers and clients.
6. I am very skilled in what I do.
7. I love sharing what I do with those around me.
8. I feel what I am doing is worthwhile and that I am making a real difference.
9. I am paid appropriately and what I am worth for what I do.
10. My role provides me scope to advance, grow and learn, if I so choose.

How did you go? If you were able to state a resounding ‘yes’ to many (or all) of the above statements - FANTASTIC!! You obviously love what you do and feel passionate and motivated in your career.

If you answered ‘no’ to many (or all) of the above statements, then now may be a good opportunity to explore your options and uncover new opportunities.

Here is to you regaining a new sense of energy, passion and purpose in your work!

Annemarie Cross © 2006

Annemarie Cross is a dual-certified/award winning Resume Writer, Career Coach and NLP Practitioner, and founder/principal of Advanced Employment Concepts, a career consultancy offering specialised solutions for people striving for success and fulfilment in their careers while maintaining work/life balance. Annemarie can be contacted at: www.annemariecross.com