If you’re wondering whether you’re in the right role, consider whether your role gives you these five things.

Is This A Role That You Enjoy?

Look at what are the things that you enjoy in the role that you do – for example: do you enjoy working with people? Do you enjoy the technical aspects of your role? Does your role give you loads of variety? Is your role 2 minutes from my house & a short commute? Sometimes when we’re having a bad day or a bad week – we make this all pervasive & think “I hate this role, it’s really not going well – I just want to get out of here & get away from this role; I need to do something different. This can happen when we focus only on the things that aren’t going well. Consider how you can you turn this around? How can you focus on the things that you do enjoy?

If you’re wondering whether you’re in the right role, consider whether your role gives you these five things.

Is this a role that you enjoy?

Look at what are the things that you enjoy in the role that you do – for example: do you enjoy working with people? Do you enjoy the technical aspects of your role? Does your role give you loads of variety? Is your role 2 minutes from my house & a short commute? Sometimes when we’re having a bad day or a bad week – we make this all pervasive & think “I hate this role, it’s really not going well – I just want to get out of here & get away from this role; I need to do something different. This can happen when we focus only on the things that aren’t going well. Consider how you can you turn this around? How can you focus on the things that you do enjoy?

Are you using your strengths?:When you are using your strengths – the things that you are really good at doing work feels more enjoyable & easier. Sometimes, we can be good at doing things but we may not enjoy doing them. For example – when I started my career, I worked in Corporate Finance with a lot of financial analysis & working with numbers. While this was something that I got good at over time – it wasn’t a strength that I enjoyed & it wasn’t something that I have taken forward as a main focus in my career. Consider the things that you really enjoy doing at work & that you’re good at. How can you apply the strengths that you enjoy using more in your day-to-day role?

Do you feel like you belong?: Do you feel like you belong in the organisation you are currently working in? Do you feel like you belong in the industry you are currently working in? What are the I know people who have completely changed industries because once they were in their industry they didn’t feel like they belonged there anymore (e.g. physio therapists changed to management consultants & lawyers who changed to primary school teachers.) For some people, this could be you’ve really good friends at work & that gives you a feeling of belonging. For others, it could be that you feel you are really suited to the role you do & you get really good experience. For others if could be you really enjoy the work & that’s why you feel like you belong. Consider what makes you feel like you do / do not belong in your organisation / industry?

Do you have a chance to learn / grow? When we are learning, we feel like we’re making progress. If we stop learning, we can stagnate & get bored without even realising it. How can you spot the opportunities to learn / grow within your own role?  This could be outside the work that you are doing. E.g,you could be on an industry committee & looking to bring this industry changes back into your role & your organisation. You could be in the exact same role & continue to grow (e.g. new technologies). Look to see where your opportunities are to learn / grow.

Does it give me the lifestyle that I am looking for? Alot of people I coach, focus on the salary they are getting paid for the work that they do. I would challenge you to think of the whole package of work. For example, as well as your salary, consider the other benefits that you have; pension; healthcare; vacation / annual leave. What about the amount of time you spend at work? Is there an expectation to work overtime that impinges on your personal life? Do you have flexibility like working from home to save on commuting time? Are you within a commutable distance? Consider what are the important practical aspects of your lifestyle that you can incorporate into your role?

I would invite you to examine your role over the next two weeks & see whether you can become more aware of what the role gives you & the advantages & disadvantages of your role based on the things that you want in your life.

If you are considering a move in your career, check out details of our Next Career Move Programme here.