I’ve met people who’ve been laid off from six- figure jobs, unable to come close to replacing their income.
So instead of driving themselves crazy, they move in a completely different direction for the sake of getting busy and back to work.
For example, think of the former advertising executive turned Starbucks barista because of a love of the coffee. Then, there’s the former project manager for a Fortune 50 turned Container Store sales associate because it’s always been her favorite place to shop.
Just because you’re job searching doesn’t mean you must suffer the self-induced pressure of finding the perfect job.
Because you’re not likely to keep this role forever, this may be a good time to try something new with the intention of using the position as a stepping-stone to something greater. Baristas and sales associates get promoted, too.
If you’re lucky, you’re very good at what you love. But that’s not always the case. Many times when you’re job searching, someone encourages you to do what you’re good at.
Friends and family will tell you that you’re so good at this or that, which is what you should pursue career-wise. And although being good at something is one way of looking at job options, it’s not the only measure. For example, you may be great with numbers and accounting, but you’re burned out from that line of work.
Or you may be wonderful with children but you’re no longer excited by teaching. Instead of pursuing what you’re good at, now may be the time to pursue what you enjoy, what really turns you on.
There’s a key distinction — and it’s a decision you should make.
© Copyright, 2010, Tory Johnson. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About This Author:
Tory Johnson is the CEO of Women For Hire and the author of Fired to Hired. She’s also the workplace contributor on ABC’s Good Morning America. Talk to her directly at Twitter.com/ToryJohnson.
