Seven Steps to a More Fulfilling JobMany people today find themselves in unfulfilling work

Seven Steps to a More Fulfilling Job

Many people today find themselves in unfulfilling work situations. In fact, one in four workers is dissatisfied with their current job, according to the recent "Plans for 2004" survey. Their career path may be financially rewarding, but it doesn't meet their emotional, social or creative needs. They’re stuck, unhappy, and have no idea what to do about it, except move to another job.

Mary Lyn Miller, veteran career consultant and founder of the Life and Career Clinic, says that when most people are unhappy about their work, their first thought is to get a different job. Instead, Miller suggests looking at the possibility of a different life. Through her book, 8 Myths of Making a Living, as well as workshops, seminars and personal coaching and consulting, she has helped thousands of dissatisfied warkers reassess life and work.

Like the way of Zen, which includes understanding of oneself as one really is, Miller encourages job seekers and those dissatisfied with work or life to examine their beliefs about work and recognize that "in many cases your beliefs are what brought you to where you are today." You may have been raised to think that women were best at nurturing and caring and, therefore, should be teachers and nurses. So that's what you did. Or, perhaps you were brought up to believe that you should do what your father did, so you have taken over the family business, or become a dentist "just like dad. If this, sounds familiar, it's probably time to look at the new possibilities for your future.

Miller developed a 7 step process to help potential job seekers assess their current situation and beliefs, identify their real passion, and start on a journey that allows them to pursue their passion through work.

Step 1: Willingness to do something different.

Breaking the cycle of doing what you have 'always done is one of the most difficult tasks for job seekers. Many find it difficult to steer away from a career path or make a change, even if it doesn't feel right. Miller urges job seekers to open their minds to other possibilities beyond what they me currently doing.

Step 2: Commitment to being who you are, not who or what someone wants you to be.

Look at the gifts and talents you have and make a commitment to pursue those things that you love, most. If you 10ve the social aspects of your job, but are stuck inside an office or "chained to your desk" most of the time, vow to follow your instinct and investigate altema6ve careers and work that allow you more time to interact with others. Dawn worked as a manager for a large retail clothing store for several years. Though she had advanced within the company, she felt frustrated and longed to be involved with uature and the outdoors. She decided to go to school nights and weekends to pursue her true passion by earning her master's degree in forestry. She now works in the biotech forestry division of a major paper company.

Step 3: Self-definition.

Miller suggests that once job seekers know who they are, they need to know how to sell themselves. "In the job market, you are a product. And just like a product, you must know the ligatures and benefits that you have to offer a potential client, or employer." Examine the skills and knowledge that you have and identify how they can apply to your desired occupation. Your qualities will exhibit to employers why they should hire you over other candidates.

Step 4: Attain a level of self-honoring.

Self-honoring or self-love may seem like an odd step for job hunters, but being able to accept your self, without judgment, helps eliminate insecurities and will make you more self-assured. By accepting who you are—all your emotions, hopes and dreams, your personality, and your unique way of being— you' 11 project more confidence when networking and talking with potential employers. T

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