How Do You Want to Work in 2024?
Photo: @kevnbhagat / Unsplash
Nearly all of us have been in a position where we realize something about our work situation is dragging us down, and changes need to be made. Being stuck at or bouncing from one job you hate to the next is no way to live a life. Sometimes, it’s hard to sort out what needs to change and what will make you happy while also meeting your needs. Here’s your quick guide to figuring out how to ask yourself the right questions and find a job that isn’t a drain on your life this year!
Overall, I like my field or position, but I’m having trouble with my workplace, boss, etc.
If it’s not what you’re doing but the company/environment that is problematic, then there are a few important things to think about. If your coworkers or management are not great, just know that this is not always something you can change from the inside. If management is less than proactive about making the workplace an enjoyable or even tolerable place to be, if problems can’t be resolved through appropriate channels or through professional conversations, etc., and it has become a really toxic environment - strongly consider getting out ASAP!
Don’t get some kind of Stockholm syndrome, and stick around for jobs that make you miserable. Workplaces can be a major cause of stress, anxiety, and potentially even more serious physical and mental health issues, not to mention a huge decrease in quality of life. No job is worth feeling low about yourself or not having time or energy to do what you love outside of work. In finding a new workplace, focus on asking about the work environment, culture, and policies of concern in interviews, as well as making sure the job description is clear in the ad and throughout the interview process. If it feels like a good fit based on what’s important to you, go for it! That pleasant change in scenery is definitely out there for you, and it can make all the difference!
I like my company/field of work, but I’m thinking about another kind of role
Perhaps your situation is more that, regardless of how you enjoy your workplace or your field, you feel as though you might like to do some other type of work. If that’s the case, it’s time to start asking yourself the right questions. Is it the entire field of work you have a problem with? Or, perhaps you’re working in the wrong part of that field?
If you work for a large company with various roles or departments, you could find another area within the company to work. Maybe you’ve been involved with a sport as an athlete, but instead of competing, you’d like to commentate or coach others. Perhaps you’re a lawyer, and you want to shift gears from the defense side to the plaintiff’s, act as a mediator instead, or take on a business or consulting role that is more flexible. Or, maybe you want to level up in part of your industry (Ex, electrician vs. master electrician, handyman to licensed contractor, RN vs. NP, etc.)
Whatever that shift is, it is totally attainable. You already have some level of expertise and experience to carry into that shift, even if it doesn’t seem like it. It could be the difference between having a so-so job and one that suits you even better and may even bring you more resources. Most importantly, do some research, talk to others in positions of interest, and see what draws your attention. If it is your true inclination, you’ll know!
I’m thinking of leaving my current situation and starting a new career
Maybe you’re looking for another field altogether. If you already have an idea of what that would be—go for it! Don’t ever double down on a career that no longer resonates with you just because you went to school for it or dedicated X number of years to it—whatever your excuse is. If you already feel this way, that feeling is only likely to intensify. Sometimes, these life moves can be a little uncomfortable, but just ask yourself: if you feel the way you do about it now, how do you think you’ll feel about yourself if you’re still there in five years? Ten years? It’s always better to go with your intuition than live with regret.
If you know you want to make a major career change but aren’t sure exactly what that looks like yet, now is the perfect time to research and experiment to figure that out! Try some temporary work on your off days, learn more about a friend’s business you’re interested in, volunteer, etc. Hop on YouTube or TikTok to learn more about other kinds of jobs. If you want more remote jobs, there are tons of them out there in industries that have a large percentage approaching retirement. If you like to do things with your hands and aren’t sure how to make money - TRADES. Trades, trades, trades. Learn about some and see what you gravitate to. These jobs are already in high demand as older generations retire, and the pay is often equal to or better than many “white collar” jobs. Also, knowing how to do things yourself is a value I can’t place enough emphasis on, especially in this economy! Yikes.
If you’re considering an entire career change, it’s also a great time to consider whether you want to work for someone else, for yourself, or start your own company. If you’re like me, and the traditional 9-5 office environment was absolutely NOT a good fit, maybe working for yourself is better. For some, it can be very freeing and inspire them to self-start and progressively improve their skills in their field and as entrepreneurs.
Be bold and decisive about your future…
These are all things to consider when you’re thinking about making important changes to your career. Don’t be afraid to make the big ones, either! It will either be the thing or bring you closer to where you were meant to be. Experiment and learn until you land on the thing that supports you fulfills you and allows you to be more immersed in the things that make you happy. You’ll know it when you find it. You deserve a job like that. You’ll be happier, more grateful, and proud that you had the courage to make the move!
