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NAZISH S. QAZI

AM I HAPPY WITH
MY JOB?
AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO
FIND THE IDEAL JOB AND
GET ON YOUR LIFE PATH

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Am I happy with my job?: An alternative way to find the ideal job and get on your life path
1st edition
© 2018 Nazish S. Qazi & bookboon.com
ISBN 978-87-403-2117-3

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Contents

CONTENTS
About the author 6

1 Is This Book For Me? 9


1.1 First Read 10
1.2 In the Toolbox 11

2 How Hungry am I? 12
2.1 Specify the Reason 13

3 Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick? 17


3.1 Creating Your Work Persona 17
3.2 Personal Preferences 21
3.3 Your Whole Story 28

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Contents

4 How Do I Fit the Pieces? 30


4.1 Connecting to Your Direction 30
4.2 Best Skills Sets 32
4.3 Putting it All Together 33
4.4 Envision It 35

5 How Can I Find ‘The One’? 36


5.1 Best Foot Forward 36
5.2 A Quality Profile 37
5.3 Interview Wise 39

6 What’s the Alternative? 41


6.1 A Different Approach 42

7 Why Am I On Hold? 44
7.1 Other Plans 45
7.2 Bigger Plans 45
7.3 Scary Dragon 46

8 How Can I Create My Future? 48


8.1 Cultivating Positivity 48
8.2 Life’s Ups and Downs 50
8.3 First and Last 52

9 Final words 54

10 References 55

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nazish S. Qazi, MSc.


Life Coach, Business Trainer and Author

If you had asked me as a child,“What do you want to be when you grow up?”, my reply
would definitely not have been ‘writer’. Back then, my answer was a vehement, “I want to
be an artist, a painter!” Then, you may wonder why I am here, writing these books. And
quite rightly say, “Well, at least you are still doing something creative”.

As is often the case, the road to my current destination has been a rather winding one.
When I started school I could hardly speak any English. As a foreigner in England, I had
little in common with the other kids. Although, I was not a natural introvert, the teachers
reported that I was a shy child. Hence, it is not surprizing that, as soon as I had learned
to read, you would find me in the library, lost in a world of imagination and wonder. My
closest companions were story books and fairy tales.

Thus, my career started with pursuing art which evolved to graphic design. However, by the
time I reached my early twenties and after many trials, I concluded that art college and the
design world were not particularly interested in my talents. So I took whatever office jobs
I could get, in order to pay the rent, whilst pursuing my creative drives outside of work.
Over the next ten years, I managed to accumulate a broad knowledge of the commercial
world whilst working in many companies from retail and recruitment to marketing and
insurance, within the private, public and voluntary sectors.

The turning point came in 1997, whilst working for a training company and a nagging
feeling was growing inside of me. I began to realize that despite the extensive experience, and

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? About the author

helping others develop their careers, I had made little progress of my own. It was time for
a re-think and, after much critical self-analysis, I found that underneath what seemed like
a patchwork career, there lay a common denominator throughout all of my previous roles.

Incredibly, the ‘eureka’ moment came when I discovered that, whilst I had been pursuing
my first love, art and design, I had been ignoring my one persistent passion. For as long
I could remember, I had always been studying human behaviour. The inclination was so
innate that I had never even noticed it. The same preoccupation still remains strong today.
Consequently, the jigsaw pieces soon fell into place and my life path became clear.

Very soon, I returned to university and in 2002, emerged with Bachelor and Master degrees
in Psychology. During my studies, I explored that common denominator and concluded
that I had a particular penchant for recognising a person’s deeper psychological needs. I
enjoyed nothing more than guiding people to develop themselves.

Also, I realized that ‘The Silva Method’ course, which I had done back in 1985 and
successfully practiced, could also be applied to this new career direction. Both of my parents
were former Silva instructors and various people had often suggested that I too, would make
a good instructor. And so, another piece in the puzzle fitted perfectly.

Since then, I have not looked back and established a deeply rewarding career in creating and
delivering training and coaching programs. Also, with a multicultural upbringing, having
travelled widely and lived/ worked in England, Germany, Spain and Middle America, I
have gained a profound understanding of many different cultures.

Over the years, I have designed and delivered a multitude of training courses, from
management coaching, business communication and soft skills training, to career/self
development programs for the unemployed, young adults and alcohol/drug misuse clients.
Working in companies ranging from small businesses, colleges, training schools to large
councils and giant multi-nationals has given me in-depth business knowledge.

Since 2004, my focus has been in coaching individuals to achieve their own career and
life goals. Behind the scenes, I have overcome my own life challenges, both personal and
professional problems, and not only lost that childhood shyness, but conquered the fear of
public speaking.

With all this psychology and behavioural knowledge, I have come to realize that there are
certain fundamental weaknesses, needs and difficulties that we all commonly have as humans.
At some point, we all need a helping hand in order to defeat the dragons of life. Hence,
my books are written with the intention to bring down-to-earth guidance and provide user-
friendly tools, which everyone can use.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? About the author

Yes, I have gone full circle and returned to using my creative abilities. Now, I enjoy my
introverted side with time for reading, researching and writing. I continue to add to my
portfolio of human knowledge through observation and running my coaching company,
Jivon Deesha. Thus, as any good teacher or coach should do, I am compelled to share all
this knowledge with you. Occasionally, I still dabble in art, my first love, but most of the
time I am completely absorbed in my enduring passion.

As always, I wish you the most rewarding life changes so that you too can find your life
path. If you want to know more about my coaching, courses or would like to share your
experiences and ‘eureka’ moments, I would be delighted to hear from you. Contact me
For updates on my latest books, blogs and videos, please give my Facebook page a Like:
https://www.facebook.com/Jivon-Deesha-924982010887997/

Email me Nazish Qazi, on lifepaths@jivondeesha.com with your stories, thoughts or


questions. I would be delighted to hear from you.

Subscribe to my website: http://www.jivondeesha.com/


If you subscribe, I will personally keep you updated with an occasional email on self
development or details about new projects. I promise to never send you mass mailings as
that is simply not my way.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Is This Book For Me?

1 IS THIS BOOK FOR ME?


“With realization of one’s own potential and self confidence
in one’s own ability, one can build a better world.”

– Dalai Lama

Do you sometimes have the feeling that your job is just not right for you? Do you often
wonder why you continue doing this work when it makes you so unhappy? Do you find
yourself day dreaming of a better job, company or position? Just imagine how it would be
if you could get a job that fits you and your needs perfectly. Now, you can stop dreaming
and start making that desire a reality. By the time you finish this book you will have found
exactly how to acquire your ideal job.

Many people give the best years of their lives and work in jobs that make them feel unworthy,
unchallenged, unappreciated, under paid or over stretched. Usually, this kind of work-
life can make you feel that you want to jump ship, throw something, scream or hide away.
This is what psychologists call the fight or flight response1 and if it continues for too long,
you may become unwell, stressed, less effective or find yourself drowning it out with other
distractions. For most people, the only choice they feel they have is to decide whether to
stay or leave the job.

Or perhaps, you have been doing a lot of job hopping and always been looking for that
one, right job? However, you just cannot find or figure out how to get the best job for
you. Or maybe you are in the opposite situation and you have not had a job for long time
but now, need one.

On the other hand, it could be that your current job is good and you are fairly satisfied
with your work-life. But at the same time, a little voice inside keeps telling you that this
career direction is not really ‘the one’. Maybe you are doing well at your job but deep
down you know that you are capable of much more. Whatever your circumstances, you
feel sure that it is time to find a new job, change career or get a better position.

Most probably, you have already started looking for a better job but for various reasons,
find yourself feeling uncertain. For instance, you might worry that leaving your job may
cause more difficulty because the job market is rather unstable at the moment. Or, if you
look for jobs in the same way as you did before, you might end up doing the same kind
of work again. What if you did get a better job somewhere else but the work place turned
out to be equally stressful?

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Is This Book For Me?

How do you know if the company fits with you and who you are? How can you explain
why you want to leave your current job, at the interview? You may even wonder if your
work experience is going to be good enough.

These are all reasonable concerns and it is natural that you might be hesitating. Changing
jobs can be a nightmare and bring you even more stress than you already have. For these
reasons, I have written this easy to follow guide with specially designed, unique tools that
will help you overcome those worries and answers your questions. You will gain clarity
about your potential, learn how to present yourself better and get a job that suits you best.

If you can allow yourself the time to do the exercises and activities as suggested, you will
develop the confidence to stride forwards and get the job you truly want and deserve.

1.1 FIRST READ


The first book in the series, ‘Am I Happy with My Direction?’, will guide you through the
most important step and find your specific life path. If you have not yet read it, I would
strongly recommend that you do before you begin this book. You will uncover your deepest
needs and desires, define your future work-life direction and build a firm foundation to
get you started on the right track.

Why is it important to know your life path? Because when you recognize your deeper
needs and have a clear, realistic vision of the future, you can bring all of the puzzle pieces
together and make sense of your past, present and future. If you want to create a better
work-life, it is imperative that you find a working environment that accommodates all of
who you are, what you have to offer and where you are going.

If you are not sure of your life path, ask yourself this question, “What is the one thing
I would love to do, that will make a difference to others and that I cannot live without
doing?” When you have a exact answer to this question, then you are ready to start this
book. You should be certain in your mind about your long-term direction and your reasons
for wanting to move on before you can begin looking for another job.

Here, in the second book of the series, ‘Am I Happy with My Job?’, we will build on the
exercises you did in the first book and continue to follow your chosen life path. We will
examine all your previous work experience, personal qualities and motivations and learn
about an alternative job searching method to help you get the right job. By drawing out
of all this information you will construct a new work persona that best fits your desired
future work-life.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Is This Book For Me?

No doubt, you will find a thousand websites with details about ‘how to get a job’. I would
recommend that apply their advice alongside the instructions given here. This book however,
is focussed more on helping you find the right job in alignment with your true career
direction and life path, and which will inevitably, fulfil both your heart and mind.

As you increase your self-awareness and set the wheels in motion, your questions, concerns
and worries will fade away. This deeper self knowledge will ensure that you stay on track
and prepare you with a concrete professional profile that will bring you a naturally happy
and satisfying work-life.

Toolbox

1.2 IN THE TOOLBOX


Throughout this book, you will find exercises, questionnaires and practical techniques.
These are uniquely designed ‘tools’ which have been tried and tested by my clients, over
the years. They have reported that the tools were very effective and reliable in helping them
find better jobs and changing career.

My recommendation is that you read the book from start to finish, and do the exercises
as you go along, in the order given. Do not skim through the pages or skip any of the
exercises as you will only gain the most benefit when you take your time. It is best not to
do the exercises whilst you are at work. When you are away from the working environment
you will have a wider perspective and be able to think more objectively.

You will need; a paper note book, a pen, a highlighter pen, a few pages of plain (printing)
paper and some sticky notes. Also, you can use a computer/tablet for creating a table but
it is not essential.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Hungry am I?

2 HOW HUNGRY AM I?
“When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation,
change the situation or accept it. All else is madness.”

– Eckhart Tolle

Why exactly are you thinking about changing your job? Is it because you often feel anxious
when you are at work? Are you always secretly planning an escape? What makes you want
to leave your current job? The important question is, why? Before you take that huge leap
or make any big changes in your work-life, which in itself can be very stressful, you must
be absolutely certain of your reasons and know in what direction you are headed. If you
do not have a clear understanding of the reasons for wanting to change your job, you may
end up in the same unhappy situation again or going off-track.

Over the years, I have encountered many people who go to work every day and spend
most of the time complaining about their job. Whether it is the pay, the boss, the hours
or the workload, there is always something to be disgruntled about. However, if you ask
them why they don’t change their job, they will usually answer with some vague excuse
about the current economy, the job market or relay their last unsuccessful attempt at finding
another job.

Interestingly, whenever I have dug deeper into their psyche, I have found most of them
being not entirely unhappy. They are what I like to call ‘serial complainers’ and if they
aren’t complaining about work, they’ll find something else to complain about such as their
home, family, society, the government, etc. You will also notice that these people seem to
have a constant source of bad things happening to them, which provide more fodder for
their endless state of negativity.

What they won’t admit, to you or themselves, is that they are not as unsatisfied as they
seem. In fact, they are quite content with their status quo and want to continue with their
daily grind. Despite the long hours, the work overload or the annoying manager, they
would prefer to stay where they are rather than step outside of their ‘comfort zone’ and
try to change anything.

If you recognize yourself in the above description, don’t worry! There may be a good reason
why you constantly feel unhappy or find it hard to make changes. In the later books of
the series, we will explore this kind of behaviour and learn how to change them. For now,
simply try to become more aware of why you feel the need to change your job before you
jump into deep water.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Hungry am I?

2.1 SPECIFY THE REASON


On the other hand, perhaps you are now certain that you really need to change your job
because of your specific circumstances. For instance, you may have realized that your skills
are unused or you need a better paid job. Perhaps you just don’t like the kind of people
you have to work with. Or, you have recognized that your current job is not aligned with
your true life purpose and you are fed up doing work that you don’t really enjoy.

It could also be that you have been away from the working world for a long time, perhaps
caring for family members or not employed. Or maybe, life has recently handed you some
difficult circumstances such as unexpected family changes, a major upheaval or you were
made redundant.

These kinds of situations can leave you feeling unsure about yourself, worrying about the
future and wondering if you or your skills are going to be good enough. Let’s start with
the first exercise. It will help you clarify doubts and understand your particular reasons for
being hungry to change your job.

Toolbox

Exercise 2.1: Why I Want a New Job

This tool will help you objectively ascertain the reasons for your hunger to change jobs so
that you can be confident about making the right decision to move on.

1. Bring to mind a particular situation that took place at work which made you
want to leave your job. Recall the actual incident and think about when, where
and what happened. In your notebook, write a short description of this incident
and list the issues/events. It is not necessary to write a lot of detail but more
important to note tangible and actual things that you saw, heard or noticed
rather than how you felt or personal views. Here is an example:
Last week, … (dates), my huge workload caused me much stress because:
• We are short of staff and I had to cover for a sick colleague
• the project is already delayed
• the purchasing team ordered the wrong goods
• I had to deal with all their mistakes and re-order the correct goods
• my inbox is overwhelming as everyone copies their emails to me
• I worked till late every day and took work home at the weekend

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Hungry am I?

2. Then, rate each point on your list from 1–10, for how tolerable it is. 1 is
very tolerable and it makes little difference to your level of happiness. 10 is
completely intolerable and you cannot live with this anymore.
3. Recall any other incidents that happened recently which made you unhappy
and want to leave your job. Repeat steps 1–2 for each incident.
4. For each of incident, consider what needs to change. Decide whether the
issues are:
a. things you cannot change or have no control over
b. things you could try to change
c. things you could change but don’t want to
d. acceptable and you can live with it
e. unacceptable but you want to continue as you are
f. totally intolerable and you must move on

As an intern, you’re eager to put what you’ve learned


to the test. At Ernst & Young, you’ll have the perfect
testing ground. There are plenty of real work challenges.
Real drive. Along with real-time feedback from mentors and leaders.
Unreal destination. You’ll also get to test what you learn. Even better, you’ll
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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Hungry am I?

5. Your answers to the above questions and tolerance ratings should justify your
feelings about what makes you unhappy in your current job. Now you can
decide whether you want to:
a. stay in your job and improve/change the way things are done
b. stay with the same company but try to get a promotion or move to
another department
c. find another job with a different company
d. completely change your career direction or professional role

6. If you are now, absolutely certain that you want to change your job, put one
hand on your belly and ask yourself how this impending change makes you
feel. Which of these descriptions would you choose?
„When I think about changing my job, I mostly feel;“
a. uninspired/nothing particular/not much motivation
b. ambivalent/unsure/sorry to leave current job
c. confused/frustrated/angry/dread about what might happen
d. a bit anxious/nervous but certain that I want to move on
e. very sure/excited/eager/impatient/curious about getting a new job
f. absolutely sure, hopeful and can’t wait to get going

This is your gut feeling or intuitive sense which should give you a clear indication of
how hungry you are and if you believe there will be a better future/career for you
elsewhere. If your answer was:
• a/b/c: Most likely, you are not ready to change your job yet. You should
consider all other options possible to improve the situation in your current
position.
• d/e/f: You are now ready to change your job. However, you should
objectively weigh up the pros and cons of getting a new job before
taking any drastic action.

If you have read the first book, ‘Am I Happy with My Direction?’, you can also refer to
your answers in Chapter 4, exercise 4.1, where you identified the main reasons for your
unhappiness at work and the changes you want to make.

You should now have recognised some specific, tangible incidents and therefore, have
actual reasons for your need to move on. If you are asked in an interview to explain why
you want to leave your current job, you could describe one of these incidents. However,
be very careful to keep your answer focussed on what you have learned and how you will
turn this experience into something positive.

At this point, if you still cannot make sense of your answers to the first exercise, it could
be that you feel hungry to change your job but you don’t know why. For instance, you
do your job well, have good relationships with the team, people appreciate you and even

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Hungry am I?

the money is good but, for some unfathomable reason, you feel a growing sense of unease.
Your heart is longing for something else…out there! If this is the case, it may be that deep
down, you instinctively know that you must do something different with your life. This
longing should not be ignored and most probably, this is your true life purpose calling
you. If so, it is best to go back to the first book so that you uncover exactly what it is.

Whatever your circumstances and before you plunge into the next chapters, you should
have no doubt as to why you want to change your job. As you read and do the exercises,
try to keep an open mind about what will transpire by the end of this book. You may be
get some happy surprises along the way.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

3 WHICH PUZZLE PIECES TO PICK?


“Everyone has been made for some particular work and the
desire for that work has been put in every heart.”

– Rumi

Some people say that job hunting is like having to do a second job. Usually, it is a stressful
endeavour that most people approach with much trepidation. We are never taught about job
searching techniques, how to interview well or what is involved in the recruitment process.
Only those few who are long-term unemployed get some training on ‘employability skills’
but the majority of us just find ourselves thrown in the deep end.

Traditionally, most people start their search for a new job by updating their old CV, searching
through job advertisements and sending applications for suitable positions. It can be an
arduous task, time consuming and difficult to manage whilst doing your current job. Not
to mention attending interviews that you don’t feel confident about, dealing with possible
rejections and trying again and again.

Therefore, here you will find the tools to help you prepare yourself and build genuine
confidence in your own abilities. By selecting the right details from your work history
you will learn how to offer your skills, attributes and knowledge in the best way to find
the right job. This non-traditional approach combines various aspects of your work self to
create your ‘Work Persona’ and this will become the basis of all your future job hunting
activities. With this greater self awareness you will, not only learn how to best present
yourself at interviews and online, but also attract the right jobs more easily.

3.1 CREATING YOUR WORK PERSONA


The following set of tools are designed, not only for job seekers but for anyone who wants
to know if they are on the right career path. If for any reason you are unsure about your
future work-life direction, you can do these exercises and find out if you are on track.
Whether you want to quit your job, get a promotion, return to work after a long break or
even run your own business, here you will learn how to connect your past work self with
your future direction and true life path.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Your Work Persona is made up of several aspects of your work self. The first and most
important tool is the skills analysis which will help you to identify your key skills set
or competencies.

Some people wince at the words ‘skill’ or ‘talent’ as they believe that it is only used to
describe highly gifted or super, clever people. Many people find it difficult to recognize
their own specific skills or abilities, usually because they have never had the opportunity
to examine them. Often, no-one has ever pointed them out and traditional CV’s do not
highlight them. Yet, this factor is critical in the interview and selection process.

The skills analysis is an in-depth exercise that is fundamental for the rest of your job
hunting activities, so take your time in creating it. For your understanding, the word ‘skill’
is used here to describe an activity which you have learned how to do, such as operating
equipment, using a computer program, handling customers or paying invoices. Do not worry
about ‘how good’ you are at the skill. Try not to confuse skills with ‘personality traits’ such
as confidence or enthusiasm as we will discuss these later.

Toolbox

Exercise 3.1: My Skills Analysis

You can use your paper notebook or computer/tablet for this exercise.

1. Draw a table with several columns and these headings: Job & dates, Tasks/
Projects, Skills, E, L. Leave some space to the right for more columns. See
figure 1 which shows an example of a skills analysis table.
2. First column is for Job & Dates: Start with your most recent position and write
in your job title. Put in the dates from when you started until now. If you have
been in other occupations such as a military post, stay-at-home parent* or in
voluntary work, consider this to be your job.
3. Second column is for Tasks/Projects: List all the main tasks or projects in your
job such as your regular duties, responsibilities or assignments. Do not write
lengthy details or be too general.
4. Third column is for Skills: For every task/project make a list of the skills required
to do each task. Notice that skills usually start with verbs and are action words.
5. You may find steps 3 and 4 easier if you imagine explaining how you do your
work to someone who has little idea about your job.
6. Then, do the same for all your previous jobs you have had and repeat steps
2–5 for each. If you have been working for more than 15 years or had too
many jobs to list, then use the most important and/or most enjoyable job roles.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Job & dates Tasks/Projects Skills E L

Promotion Arrange venues Telephoning


and Marketing and equipment for Writing emails
Assistant events Making bookings
Aug Coordinating people/places
2014–Present Recording information on database

Product promotion Researching competitors


Liaising with marketing team
Creating/developing new ideas
Designing/drawing artwork
Learning new product standards

Support marketing Discussing and agreeing plans


manager in Resourcing materials for events
organising events Writing up presentations
Preparing event equipment

Team meetings Discussing/collaborating


Coordinating team
Problem solving
Writing/distributing meeting notes

Sales Update database Updating clients and sales records 3


Administrator Liaising with team 5
May 2009– Collating team’s sales figures 2
June 2014 Calling/emailing clients 2

Arrange meetings Emailing sales staff 2


Booking rooms 3
Coordinating people 5
Taking minutes of meetings 1

Create and send Interviewing team/clients 7 B


monthly newsletter Writing up stories/articles 8 C
Creating layout/design artwork 10 C
Liaising with managers 4
Send newsletter to clients 2

Figure 1: Skills Analysis Table

* Note to stay-at-home parents: If you have not been employed for a long time because
you were taking care of the children/home, use this role as your last full-time job. Imagine
explaining to someone who has never done this and will be stepping into your shoes as
a mother/father/Carer. Describe all the tasks they must do such as taking children to
school, preparing food, budget control, paying bills, cleaning/tidying/house-keeping, time
management, etc. All of these are useful skills and valuable to potential employers.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Exercise 3.1 continued

Figure 1 shows the first part of the skills analysis, which will probably take you a few days to
complete. After that, allow yourself a break from thinking and analysing your work history,
before doing the next steps. Then, answer these questions as spontaneously as possible:

7. E is for Enjoyment: in this column give a rating from 1–10 for how much you
enjoy doing each of the skills. See example for the Sales Administrator job
shown in figure 1.
8. L is the level of skill: in this column, for each skill you enjoyed most (7–10),
give a rating of A-E for how good you are at the skill. (A=high/expert, B=very
good, C=average, D=fair/low, E=very little).
9. You should soon begin to see a common theme in the figures. Most probably,
those skills which you enjoy using most, are the ones you are good at. Now,
choose 5–6 of your favourite skills and highlight/underline them.

In case you felt a little uncomfortable whilst doing this exercise, it maybe because you have
been conditioned to think that it is conceited to talk about your own skills. If so, try to
imagine that YOU are not your SKILLS. Skills are abilities/activities that you have learned
how to do in order to fulfil a function. Your skills are what you do and not the WHO
you are.

When you have completed your skills analysis, you will probably notice the tasks that
you are not so good at or do not enjoy. This can help you to identify areas for your own
development. Also, if you are able, you could try to find colleagues who enjoy or are good
at the skills that you lack.

A skills analysis is an excellent foundation for building your CV, writing an online profile
and also helping to prepare for interviews. If you are asked competency or behaviour-based
questions at interviews, you can use the tasks and skills to support your answers2.

Recognising your particular skills is essential if you are planning to move towards a different
kind of work or return to work after a long time. When you are aware of all your skills,
where and how you used them, then you will be able to talk about them confidently.
Why is this so important? Because skills are transferable! This means that even if are not
experienced in the new role, you can describe a particular task that you have done before
and say you already have the required ability.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

3.2 PERSONAL PREFERENCES


In one of my earliest jobs, I worked for a recruitment company and my role was to sell
their ‘excellent service’ to potential customers. Despite the overbearing boss who constantly
criticised my work, the long hours and the low pay, I still kept at it, hoping I would
overcome those challenges. However, after working with them for awhile, I found a major
discrepancy between what I was told to promise clients and the service they were actually
providing. The service team would knowingly place unsuitable candidates that would not
last a year with the client company, although they had paid in full. The scales tipped for
me when I discovered their unethical business methods and I soon moved onto another job.

• Work Values
To avoid falling into such situations that are against your personal criteria, it is necessary
to identify your personal preferences at the outset. The following three exercises, will help
you to create a checklist of your values, motivations and personality traits. These are the
qualities that make you uniquely you.

Toolbox

Exercise 3.2: My Work Values

1. Look at Figure 2 and spontaneously select the words that are most significant
to you. Make a list in your notebook.
2. This is not an extensive list of values. You can add any others that are important
to you.
3. For each word on your list, describe briefly why it is important to you. For
example; „Independence: I am free to resource and create my own material
for my projects“.
4. Finally, choose 4–5 values from your list which are absolutely necessary for you
and highlight/underline them.

Work Values

Achievement Challenge Fast paced Individuality Practical Service

Active Community Freedom Influence Predictability Stability

Adaptable Competitive Friendly Innovative Progressive Status

Alternative Cooperative Fun Knowledge Promotion Structure

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Work Values

Autonomous Corporate Harmony Leadership Rational Supportive

Balance Creative Helping others Learning Recognition Teamwork

Benefits Cutting edge High income Location Relaxed Time


flexibility

Busy Developing Honesty Organised Respect Trust

Caring Exciting Independence Own business Security Variety

Figure 2: Work Values

The final 4–5 values you chose are your core work values. These are values you believe in
and that bring meaning to your work. Most likely, you will tend to work in accordance
with these values and find you cannot live/work without them. Therefore, when you look
for jobs, it is best to search for companies that reflect these values in their methods, ethos
and their business attitudes.

• Motivations
Having worked with different kinds of people, you will have noticed that our motivations
are as individual as we are. What drives your boss may be completely different to what drives
you. The motivation factor is essential in our working lives to make us feel empowered,
worthwhile and energised. A good employer should consider this when hiring new employees
because motivation is key to better work performance as well as to retain employees.

The next questionnaire will help you recognize the main factors that motivate you to do
your job well. When you are aware of your motivators, you can subtly communicate them
via your web profile, through job applications and at interviews.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Toolbox

Exercise 3.3: My Motivators

1. Read the following questionnaire in Figure 3 and choose the statements that
apply to you as spontaneously as possible. Give a rating on how important
they are between 1–3 (high=1, medium= 2, low= 3).
2. From the statements that you rated as 1, with a high level of importance, select
4/5 that are most significant and are ‘bottom-line’ for you.

Motivational Factors Importance Rating 1–3

1. Good physical working conditions and environment

2. Using up-to-date technology and resources

3. Having long-term steady/secure employment

4. Being respected as an individual

5. Being highly paid

6. Chance for promotion and moving up the ladder

7. Opportunity to travel

8. Producing good quality work

9. Knowing my job is meaningful

10. Being informed of what is going on

11. A flexible work routine or schedule

12. Company is growing/expanding

13. Doing regular, similar or consistent tasks every day

14. Knowing my manager trusts me

15. Working by myself or autonomously

16. Having much free time and/or holidays

17. Having prestige/status in the company

18. Being able to choose what I do, when and how

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Motivational Factors Importance Rating 1–3

19. Working together in a team

20. My work place is close to my home

21. Winning the deal/sale/account

22. Good relationships with co-workers

23. Doing creative or innovative work

24. Receiving a pension and/or other extra benefits

25. Being part of the decision making processes

26. Doing work that challenges me

27. Good company communication

28. The company cares about social problems (e.g. environment,


charities, etc.)

29. Having a specific job description and work structure

30. Getting good feedback from my superior/boss

31. Much interaction with people, staff or customers

32. Having a job with minimal pressure/relaxed workload

33. Agreeing with organization’s objectives/philosophy/ideology

34. Opportunity for self-development, training and learning

35. Having an efficient and competent superior/boss/leader

36. Using my specific skills or special talents

37. Serving and satisfying my customers

38. Having a variety of different tasks or duties

39. Being able to help others (public/customers/colleagues/


patients)

40. Other motivating factors?…

Figure 3: Motivational Factors

The 4–5 most significant motivators are your primary drives. Having these factors will
ensure you are motivated most of the time and keep you going even if other things irritate

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

or hold you back. When deciding on a new company or position try to communicate these
needs. If these motivating factors are met, you will be able to do your best work.

• Personality
We all have a myriad of facets to our personality which are also known as qualities,
characteristics or personality traits. These are very individual and are expressed through
our attitudes, feelings or habitual behaviours. Most of the time we tend to take them for
granted and not to think about them.

As you probably know, there are various personality tests which you could do that will identify
your characteristics and offer suggestions for particular jobs roles. These usually tend to label
you with fixed character types and ‘pigeon-hole’ your personality. However, in my experience,
our personalities can change over time and be affected by our immediate environment.

For our purposes, it is not necessary to do an extensive assessment. Hence, the next exercise
is not a standardized personality test. It is a simple tool that is designed to help you learn
how to recognize your personality traits that relate to your specific skills.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Toolbox

Exercise 3.4: My Personality Traits

This tool will help you recognize your own personality traits in relation to your work skills.

1. Go back to exercise 3.1, your Skills Analysis. From the skills you enjoyed most,
select 4–6 of your top/favourite skills. These can be from any of the jobs you
have listed.
2. Add two more columns to your table and label them; Personality Traits, y/n
(See figure 4).
3. For each of your favourite skills write down corresponding personality traits.
Again, imagine you are getting someone to do your job and ask yourself, ‘what
kind of person would do this skill well?’ e.g. For the skill of ‘telephoning’, the
person should be polite, a good listener and be able to talk confidently.
4. Lastly, decide whether you have these specific traits and write Yes or No in the
final column. If you are not sure, ask someone who knows you well to point
out your personality traits.

TASK SKILL E L PERSONALITY TRAITS y/n

Arrange Telephoning 7 Polite, good listener, confident talker

venues Writing emails 4

and Making bookings 5 Resourceful, reliable, organized

equipment Coordinating people/places 7 Leading, amiable, consistent

for events Recording information on 3


database

Figure 4: Skills Analysis Plus Traits

Personality traits are often difficult to recognize. Figure 5 shows some standard work-based
personality traits to help you.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Adaptable Creative Flexible Leadership Persuasive Resolute

Adventurous Decisive Free thinker Lively Pragmatic Respectful

Ambitious Dedicated Generous Logical Precise Sensitive

Authoritative Dependable Gentle Loyal Proactive Sincere

Calm Determined Helpful Meticulous Punctual Sociable

Caring Direct Honest Motivating Quiet Stable

Compassionate Discerning Humorous Organized Rational Systematic

Confident Disciplined Imaginative Outgoing Relaxed Thorough

Conscientious Empathetic Innovative Patient Reliable Tolerant

Considerate Excitable Intuitive Perceptive Reserved Tough

Cooperative Firm Joyful Persevere Resourceful Trusting

Figure 5: Personality Traits

If you have worked in a medium or large company, you may have noticed that the same
kind of jobs are done by many people, but every single person has a different personality.
Most employers will claim that personality traits are not very important and that it is
only your skills that matter. However, during interviews or initial meetings, we are always
influenced by each other’s personality. That all-important first impression and usually, the
final decision, are all made instinctively on these subjective factors and not on your skills.

Of course, there are some specific personality traits which are more amenable to certain
jobs. For instance, we can compare the contrasting characteristics of someone who is as
a nurse with that of a radio presenter or a college lecturer. Therefore, when you become
more aware of your own individual traits, you can emphasize them throughout your job
searching activities as well as use them more effectively in the work place.

Now that you are more aware of your personal preferences and qualities, it will be easier to
find a compatible company, role and environment that should allow you to thrive instead
of struggle.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

3.3 YOUR WHOLE STORY


Having ascertained your best skills, particular motivations, core values and personality traits,
you might begin to notice that you have certain tendencies. For instance, you may have
many abilities but you are likely to lean towards particular tasks and skills which you really
enjoy. You will also find that your personal preferences indicate a natural inclination to
suit a specific environment and/or work-life style.

To help you get the best from all of the above exercises, it is a good idea to create a
checklist from your notes about your preferred skills, personal qualities and motivational
needs for your new job. These are the puzzle pieces which you will need to make up your
work persona and will help you get the right job.

By now, I hope that most of the clouds have dissipated and that you are feeling more clear,
positive and enthusiastic about your future work potential. Creating a work persona gives
you a precise and substantial profile of your competences and work self. It also helps to
develop your self-esteem and give you a better understanding of the aspects that make
you distinctly you.

Before we take the next step, it is necessary that you gather some more details to complete
your work persona. As well as the aspects already mentioned, there are various other personal
factors to consider which shape you as an individual. In order to present your best self to a
potential employer, you will need to be able to refer to all of these factors and work history.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Which Puzzle Pieces to Pick?

Toolbox

Exercise 3.5: My Whole Story

1. Consider all of your previous experience which has not yet been mentioned
and make notes on any of the following points which are relevant to you.
• other knowledge or work/life experience (inside and outside employment)
• qualifications, studies or training courses
• achievements or successful projects
• travels, sabbaticals, assignments abroad
• hobbies, pastimes, interests or leisure activities
• ethnicity, cultural background, religion
• language skills
• accommodation, home, children and family life
• social circles, associations or community involvement

2. Create a folder or electronic file to store all of these documents and details:
• Work Persona checklist (notes from the previous exercises)
• CV/resume and internet profile
• Certificates, identification and licences
• Testimonials, good feedback or references
• Photos of yourself at work
• Portfolios or samples of your work

Having this file to hand will make the job searching and application process much easier.

As you begin the job searching process, you will realize that it is not only your work
experience and skills that are relevant, but also your personal qualities, background and whole
self that should be taken into account. It is important to develop this whole work persona
and have a good understanding of all that has contributed to your present working self.

This will help you define your whole work self and recognize all that you have to offer
to a potential employer. When you become more aware of your particular requirements,
you can be more discerning about the kind of places or people you choose to (not) work
with. In future, you will also be able to use all of this information for any further job
searching activities.

Having assessed your whole work persona and stored all the relevant information into one
file, you should now have gathered all the puzzle pieces you need. Next, you will start
fitting these pieces together and learn how to promote yourself at interviews, presentations,
business networks and on your online profiles.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

4 HOW DO I FIT THE PIECES?


“One of the main reasons why most people don’t get what
they want is they haven’t decided what they want. They haven’t
defined their desires in clear and compelling detail.”

– Jack Canfield

Well done! You are now ready to start putting your puzzle together. Most probably, you
already have ideas bubbling up about the job you want and are excited about getting started.
So far we have done a lot of looking back at you; your past work history and personal
requirements. Now, we will begin looking forward and designing the future work-life
that is exactly right for you.

At this stage, it is important to bear in mind, that despite doing a full skills analysis, the past
does not always predict the future. In other words, there may be a job, task or skill which
you have yet to experience that might become your true destination. When you choose to
re-evaluate your work-life, you must be open to all possibilities but also be cautious about
which options you take next. The coming chapters should help you in making the wisest
decisions for your future.

When working on a skills analysis and creating their work persona, many of my clients
get an ‘ah ha!’ or ‘eureka’ moment. Suddenly, the find the answer and any doubts or
confusion just disappears. Did you get a moment of clarity? If so, I would love to hear
about your experience.

4.1 CONNECTING TO YOUR DIRECTION


The next step is to take into account your life path or long-term work direction alongside
work persona. In order to have a fulfilling and rewarding work-life, it is necessary to be aware
of, not only what your logical mind says you should do, but also what your unconscious
mind and heart says you need. It could be that you are holding back some long-held, deep
desire that has not yet surfaced.

As previously mentioned, it would be best to read my first book, “Am I Happy with My
Direction?” It will show you how to find your true life path and create the background

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

you will need before taking the next steps. If you have already read the book, refer to your
notes from these exercises:

• Chapter three, exercise 3.1: Future vision


• Chapter three, exercise 3.2: Work-life direction questions
• Chapter five, exercise 5.1: Intention for the future

Look back at your answers to those exercises and bring to mind the kind of work-life you
had envisioned. Your notes should describe the kind of job-role, type of work and working
environment you would like to have. This is the life path and long-term future direction
you chose which you should keep in mind when doing the following exercises.

Start by checking if your future direction correlates with your work persona checklist as
identified in the last chapter. If there is a clear correlation, then you are definitely on the
right road to a happier future work-life. This means that the role you wish to do satisfies
your mind and heart/soul because it is in accordance with your abilities and you feel
emotionally connected to it.

On the other hand, what if it does not correlate? Did you find any big differences between
what your skills analysis suggests and that which your heart truly desires? If so, consider
which route seems to be pulling you more towards it.

If you are finding it difficult to decide, try taking a break from all of this critical thinking
and go for a walk alone. Put aside all the noise for a little while; leave the ‘to do list’ and
the voices of everyone that influences you. When you allow yourself to press pause on all
the worrying about family, money, obligations, obstacles and what you ‘ought to do’, you
will hear your own thoughts/inner voice/gut feelings better3. This intuitive knowing or
inner guidance is the always the key to the right direction for you.

Your future work role should be the one that your whole being is attracted to; mentally,
physically and emotionally. The work that, if no-one/nothing was in your way and money
was not an issue, you would really love to do as your main occupation. It may be that this
is the more uncertain route and could be challenging but, if it is the work you are hungry
to do, it will be the most rewarding. Eventually, this is the work that will make you feel
most satisfied in the long term.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

4.2 BEST SKILLS SETS


The next step is to identify your favourite area of work or most preferred ‘skills set’. A
skillset or competency is simply a group of skills, knowledge and attitudes that are necessary
to do a particular task. For example, the task of ‘emailing customers’ requires:

• reading, writing and fluency in the (English) language


• formal, polite and business writing
• typing on a keyboard and using a computer
• operating email and other programmes
• knowing about company products and business methods
• caring about the customer’s needs
• diplomacy and being thorough

At this stage, you do not need to figure out all the particular skills, knowledge and attitudes
that make up each of your skill sets but simply be aware that you have many and that these
abilities are transferable.

Toolbox

Exercise 4.1: My Skills Set

Take a closer look at your skills analysis table in exercise 3.1. Consider all of the jobs, projects
and tasks you have done to date and ask yourself these questions:

a. Which skills sets/competencies are most rewarding, fun or satisfying to me?


b. What do these skills sets have in common?
c. Am I good at these skills sets?
d. What else could I learn to improve my skills sets?
e. How do I feel when I think about working with my preferred skills sets?
f. Are these skills sets aligned with my future direction/life path?
g. If I did this kind of work most of the time, would I get bored?
h. Why would this kind of work be important to me?

Take your time to dwell upon these questions and write down your answers.

Your answers should now begin to point to a particular line of work or indicate the work
environment that best suits you. You will soon realize that your heart/soul/deeper self has
always known that this kind of work is right for you and your mind is telling you that it
makes sense. This will give you a greater understanding of the reason why you are headed
in your specific direction.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

If you are still feeling unsure about what type of organisation or business might offer jobs
for your particular skills sets, try a search on the internet such as, “jobs with…skills”. Bear
in mind that you are just doing this as research and only interested in reading the job
descriptions. Do not apply for any of the jobs yet as this is only for information purposes.
When I first decided to become a Life Coach, I had no idea such jobs even existed!

4.3 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER


As you begin to build a picture in your mind about the perfect job role and the kind of
environment that would match your values and needs, you will start to find the puzzle
pieces falling into place. At first, this can be a little daunting because you might feel that
you don’t know ‘how’ to make it happen or if you will earn enough money, etc. Don’t
worry! If imagining yourself doing this work makes you smile inside and out, then you
are definitely on the right track. We will get to the ‘how’ very soon.

The next exercise will help you put all the pieces together so that you have a clear definition
of the job-role you truly want. This will ensure that you choose the best options for your
particular circumstances, take appropriate action, move forwards with confidence and stay
on track in the future.

Toolbox

Exercise 4.2: Destination Declaration

Your destination declaration a very personal statement about your future. It summarizes all
of your findings so far. As you write it, try to be objective, specific and use positive words
to describe what you want. (Not what you don’t want.)

Copy and complete these sentences by hand, into your notebook. Refer to your answers
from all of the previous exercises.

a. I will use my  skills (most desired


skills sets) to work as a  (job title).
b. I will work in a  company/organization and my work
environment is  (describe ideal company).
c. The people I work with are  (describe type of clients/
colleagues/manager)
d. The work I do makes others feel  (how they benefit from your work)
e. My work fulfils my core values of  .

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

Allow yourself some time to work on your destination declaration and re-write it until you
are fully satisfied. Here are is an example of a destination declaration:

i. “I will use my creative, marketing and promoting skills to work as an Advertising


Consultant and Designer. I will work as a freelancer and my work environment is my
comfortable home office. The people I work with are local small business owners. The
work I do makes them feel very happy because it helps their businesses to increase profit.
My work fulfils my core values of service to the community, creativity and flexibility
so that I can spend time with my family”.

Now, take a moment to imagine that this job-role and work environment is already yours
and taking place. Cross out the words ‘will’ and re-write your statement with ‘I am…’
Change it to the present tense as in this second example:

ii. “I will am using my accounting, banking and money management skills to work
as a Financial Planner. I will am working for a business consultancy and my work
environment is a friendly, well established company in the town centre. The people I
work with are like-minded colleagues who work well as a team. The work I do makes
clients feel relieved and glad that they can get out of debt. My work fulfils my core
values of doing rational, structured and challenging work that is well paid ”.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Do I Fit the Pieces?

When you write a future activity as though it has already happened it activates your
subconscious brain to start working on it and also, helps you believe in it more easily.

4.4 ENVISION IT
Having completed this exercise, how do you feel? I hope you are smiling! Whatever you
wish to have in your future, writing a personal destination declaration will help you gain
absolute clarity, solid confidence and the impetus to start taking action. It may take a little
time and effort but you will eventually get to your destination and make your dream a reality.

You can make your destination declaration even more powerful by creating a vision of your
future, not just mentally in your imagination, but also physically. First, write the statement
in big, bold letters onto plain paper and put it on your wall, wardrobe door or a place
where you will see it regularly. This is now becoming an affirmation of your work-life goal5.

Secondly, create a Vision Board of your future job and ideal work-life4. I have described
how to make one in the first book and if you have already, well done! It only takes a few
hours to create a real representation of your future which you will be able to see in front of
you. It is very simple to make and fun to do: Get a pile of old magazines, cut out images
which represent the words from your destination declaration and stick them on to a board.

Creating a collage or writing your goals by hand, will not only help you envision the future
but also, embed it firmly into your subconscious mind. You will begin to get more ideas
and notice possibilities and opportunities coming your way more easily.

Thirdly, use your imagination to visualize your goal when you are in a relaxed state. The
best time is when you awake and just before you sleep ever day. Simply see yourself doing
your desired job and feeling completely happy. You can also imagine going for the interview
and successfully getting the job. As you allow your creative mind to build these pictures,
let yourself feel all the positive emotions and a sense of gratitude, accordingly. When you
imagine your goal in this way it will build your confidence, reduce anxiety and attract those
goals into your life.

Important Tip: Try to keep all of your future planning activities private! If you must, tell
only those persons who absolutely need to know. When you are working on bringing your
goals to life, it is best to not share it with everyone until it becomes more concrete. At
present, you are building your dream job and surrounding it with positive energy. Others
can unwittingly, deplete your energy and enthusiasm, even with their best intentions. Think
of it as incubating a precious egg that needs all your nurturing care and protection. Until
this bird can fly by itself, you must keep it under your wing.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Find ‘The One’?

5 HOW CAN I FIND ‘THE ONE’?


“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not
on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

– Socrates

By now, I hope you are feeling very motivated, confident and ready to pursue your new
destination. So far, you have gathered a lot of self information and done some excellent
ground work for finding the right job, position and company. Before we dive into job
searching, you must first create the right professional profile in order to present yourself
to the world.

Over the years, I have seen many profiles that have little impact, are uninspiring or just fail
to communicate the person’s actual accomplishments or ability. Having helped numerous
individuals to improve the quality of their profiles, CV’s, job and college applications and
gain the positions they really want, here follows my winning formula.

5.1 BEST FOOT FORWARD


Collecting a pile of data about your work self is one thing but being able to articulate it
in a positive light so that you get the right job, is another thing. Whenever you intend
to make a new contact, it is imperative that you put your best foot forward and make a
positive first impression.

A good place to start is by updating your CV/resume and internet-based profile. Just
remember, that a CV is an advertising tool, so its purpose is to sell you to an employer,
business partner or client. If you are changing career direction or have had many different
jobs, then it is best to create a competency-based CV, not a chronological one, which will
emphasize your transferable skills instead of the many jobs you have had.

Figure 6 shows some do’s and don’ts for creating a successful CV. However, there are
variations in CV style and the content required according to different countries and their
business culture. Therefore, I will not dwell on CV design too much because no doubt,
you will find thousands of books, websites and services with useful advice. However, if you
would like individual help because of your unusual circumstances or difficult work history,
please feel free to email me.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Find ‘The One’?

Do Do Not

Be specific/precise/factual/straight forward Generalize/make sweeping statements

Use relevant experience/skills that match Emphasise irrelevant jobs/unemployment


desired job

Put most important skills set/competency first Put in reason for leaving last job

Quantify and qualify your skills/experience Use extreme adjectives to describe yourself

Include successful projects/achievements Include hobbies/interests you hardly ever do

Include positive/relevant personality traits Use negative traits, bad experiences, etc

Be honest, self assured but modest Exaggerate/lie, sound over confident

Keep to 2, maximum 3 pages long Ramble on/ lengthy texts

Figure 6: CV Do’s and Don’ts

5.2 A QUALITY PROFILE


If you want to find that one special job which fits you perfectly, and not just any job,
you need to know how to advertise yourself appropriately. This means putting your best
‘features and benefits’ on display as you would if you were selling a new product or service.

One of the best ways to do this is by creating a powerful professional profile or summary
which catches attention at first glance. It is necessary for anyone considering a job change
to write a quality profile that shows why you are the perfect person for the job. Often,
it is the first thing that a potential employer will see and if they don’t ‘take the bite’ they
won’t continue reading.

What is a professional profile? It is a short summary of your work experience, knowledge,


skills and achievements. Usually, it is about one paragraph long and written at the top of
a CV, business network profile and sometimes, on job application forms.

Many people get confused about what to write or what should or should not be included.
The key is to consider what the reader needs to know from you. It will be easier if you aim
for a specific type of job instead of trying to create a general, ‘one size fits all’ profile. The
next exercise will help you find the right words for writing your perfect profile.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Find ‘The One’?

Toolbox

Exercise 5.1: My Professional Profile

1. Write your answers to the following questions in your notebook. Your answers
should be relevant to the job you desire.
a) What is the job title of desired job?
b) How many years work experience do you have altogether?
c) What pertinent qualifications or training do you have?
d) Which skills set is the most important for this role?
e) Think of a successful result you got from using this skills set.
f) What benefit can you offer the employer which they most need?
g) What major accomplishment, project or success have you had?
h) Which of your personality traits are most relevant to this kind of work?
i) Why would this job be fulfilling for you? What makes you passionate
about it?

2. Write a statement using your answers to the above. It should be easy to read
and not longer than 100 words. Start by spontaneously writing whatever comes
to mind, then edit and re-word as necessary. Here are some key points you
can include:
• Work history/background/achievements
• Knowledge/experience/skills set
• Personal character/motivation/values
• The job, role or goal that you are moving towards

Always remember that your personal profile must be relevant to the future job or position
you want to apply for. Don’t worry if it is too long or sounds awkward at first. You will
probably find that you re-write it several times before you are fully satisfied and eventually,
it should make you feel confident and happy.

The best professional profiles are positive and succinct with qualitative and quantitative
facts about the person. To give you an idea, here are two examples that are based on the
destination declarations mentioned in Chapter four.

i. “I have worked in sales, marketing and promotion since 2009 alongside diverse
client groups and teams. I have supported over 45 companies to successfully increase
profits by developing their design strategy, product presentation and positive response
media. Now, I am passionately driven to bring my creative thinking and marketing
knowledge to my local community. My style of business promotion comes with up-
to-date technical expertise, old fashioned reliability and a down-to-earth service.”

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Find ‘The One’?

ii. “A financial management expert with over 17 years service in the accountancy,
banking and brokering trade. Has managed a team of 5 staff within an accountancy
practice and is fully qualified with ACA, Personal Insurance and Tax Management
certificates. Enjoys self development and is currently, undertaking a CFP course. Is a
methodical and amiable person who has a successful track record for helping private
individuals overcome debt. Currently, looking to join a progressive, well-established
company that will provide a suitably rewarding challenge.”

As you can see, the second example is written in the third person, which is a little less
personal but this style is expected in certain professions.

A good professional profile should tell the reader the reason why you fit the job by
highlighting only the knowledge and experience which is relevant to them. It should promote
your best working attributes extracted from your whole work persona and it must be factual.

Now, you can go ahead and update your online business network profiles with your
new CV and Professional Profile information. However, be very careful that you do not
include statements saying you are looking to move on if you do not want everyone and
your current employer to know.

You will find that having a Professional Profile is akin to handing out a business card and
as a statement of credibility. It should give you a deeper sense of self-confidence and clear
mind-set about your own qualifications and abilities. Whether it is online, on paper or in
person, it is essential that you make this all-important first impression a good one.

5.3 INTERVIEW WISE


As I am sure you know, the more informed you are before an interview, the better your
chances will be in getting the job. Therefore, always research and prepare as much as possible
by finding out all you can about the company, their history, productivity, people, etc. If
possible, try to visit them beforehand just to take in the atmosphere.

No doubt, you will find an enormous number of informative websites with advice about
best interview techniques6. Again, I will not say too much on this subject other than to
give you the following advice which has helped my clients.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Find ‘The One’?

After you have done all the research, use your imagination to mentally step into the shoes
of your interviewer. Simply close your eyes, relax and imagine being the interviewer.
Consider these questions:

• Why do we need to fill this role? What is our goal/reason?


• What are the most important skills or competencies I am looking for?
• What kind of personality would best fit with us?
• What is our bottom line to work here?
• What happened to the last person who had this job?
• What worries me most is…
• What happens, if I choose the wrong person?
• What would make us take on right person immediately?

Of course, you won’t know the exact answers but most people can make an accurate guess.
Also, you may have more than one interviewer but this little exercise will give you more
empathy about their needs.

Most of us tend to get anxious or nervous before an interview but you can reduce this
by raising your confidence. Usually, if you can practice talking about your specific skills,
knowledge and attitudes in relation to the competencies required for the job, your confidence
will increase.

In a well designed or structured interview, the interviewers will ask competency/behaviour


based questions2. To prepare for this, thoroughly read the job description, highlight the
key skills they require and match these with your own skills analysis. This will give you
an idea of the kind of questions to expect. Then, you can practice your answers by talking
about actual examples of when, where and how you used those skills. For example; “When
I worked as a Sales Administrator at XYZ company, I created the layouts, design and wrote
the content for the monthly newsletters”.

You can also use your professional profile to give an impressive ‘elevator pitch’ at any
presentation, interview or business network meeting. Obviously, you would not say it word
for word but elaborate on the main points. It is a good way to introduce yourself if you
are asked a general question such as, ‘Tell me about yourself ’. So, get practicing! The more
you practice, the more confident you will be.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? What’s the Alternative?

6 WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?


“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

– Tony Robbins

Having done all your preparations, created your CV and profile, I am sure you are raring to
go! In fact, you have probably already started looking through job adverts for that perfect
job. If so, well done! Remember to be as discerning as possible when selecting jobs and
ensure they are in accordance with your destination declaration. Try to hold back from
jumping into a job, position or company just because it is within your old comfort zone
or the money/location is attractive. Use your check list of job requirements to see if they
fit your particular needs.

In most countries and business cultures, the traditional method of finding a new job follows
a specific sequence. These are the well-worn steps taken by the majority of job hunters:

a. search for advertised vacancies


b. create or update CV and covering letter
c. complete application forms if necessary
d. send job applications to employers
e. await and attend interviews
f. receive job offer or go back to step a.

Usually, if you want to find the same kind of job that you had before, this is a safe method.
However, finding time and energy to send out numerous applications can be hard work
and quite de-motivating for some people. Many people join recruitment agencies and
occasionally, they do find good and appropriate jobs. But usually, they will only find you
work which is the same as what you have done before.

On the other hand, what if you don’t want the same kind of job as before? What if the job
you want is something entirely different? Or perhaps, you have had a long break from the
working world. How should you approach the job market? What else could you do to find
the right job, especially if the job you particularly want is not appearing in your searches?
Well, you will be happy to know that there is an alternative method.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? What’s the Alternative?

6.1 A DIFFERENT APPROACH


This is a different method for getting a job, which can often lead to a more successful and
satisfying work-life. It is known as the ‘speculative approach’ which focuses on a specific
goal and will help you find the ‘right fit’. You will find this is a more relaxed, less stressful
process because there is little other competition. Also, you can choose the kind of work
places that are much more aligned with you and your values and needs. This alternative
method can be used alongside traditional methods but be careful that you do not to use
both methods for the same company.

Toolbox

Exercise 6.1: Alternative Method

1. Search through local directories, trade journals, social and business network
sites to find companies in the same field of work as you desire to be in. Select
the companies that best suit you, your choice of environment and have similar
values to yours. It is better to have fewer, quality companies that are appropriate
instead of as many as possible.
2. Create a table or list of these companies to help you keep a record. Include
company names, name of contact, address, email, phone, details, links, dates
you made contact, your communications, etc.
3. Research and note down details about their products, processes, service, clients,
size, ethos, history, etc.
4. Telephone them and get a name for the appropriate manager or decision maker
for your desired job/role/department.
5. Make sure your online profile is updated and your CV is ready with your positive
professional profile.
6. Write a covering letter that is addressed to the decision maker and includes:
a. what interests you most about the company
b. one or two relevant accomplishments, perhaps something different to
your CV
c. the most important ‘benefit’ you can offer them
d. your current situation, very briefly
e. end with a request for a possible ‘meeting’ (not an interview)
7. Send your CV and letter to all the companies on your list, either by email or
on paper. Consider each company’s individual needs and adapt your letter
accordingly.
8. Update your company list with any communications you/they make.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? What’s the Alternative?

9. If you don’t get a reply within a couple of weeks, follow up with a telephone
call and talk to the manager/decision maker. Be brief, polite, positive about
yourself and focus on asking questions about them. Do not try to ‘hard sell’
yourself! Your CV should do that for you.
10. If you do get offered a meeting, take a list of appropriate questions as you
will be conducting the ‘interview’. Again, your aim should be to simply get to
know them and make new contacts. This will not only show your enthusiasm,
but also, give you an understanding of whether they are right for you. Don’t
forget to smile when appropriate. Happiness is contagious

You may be surprised how well this method works because most employers are not expecting
anything and their reaction to receiving your CV and letter will usually be that they:

a) feel very flattered because you are showing genuine interest


b) will appreciate your confidence and motivation
c) are very glad to avoid the costs/time spent for recruitment
d) are more likely to hire someone who ‘fits’ their company

You will find that if a company has an unadvertised vacancy, they will respond immediately
and be quick to grab you. If you don’t hear from them soon after, it maybe because either
they have no positions available, they are too busy or short staffed and haven’t had time
to reply yet. In which case, go ahead and call them because they need you and you have
nothing to lose. Good employers will know that it is better to have a positive, motivated
person on board, even if lacking some experience but willing to learn, rather than a fully
qualified person who is not so positive or enthusiastic.

This method is more of a ‘soft sell’ approach. I have found it to be particularly successful
when offering transferable skills and acquiring a different kind of job than before. It is
an excellent way to find those jobs that are not advertised and remain hidden from the
job market. Many years ago, whilst working with an especially difficult client group that
had been long-term unemployed, I found this approach reached exactly the right kind of
sympathetic organizations who were especially helpful and even created jobs for my clients.

It is probably better to try all methods at the start of your job searching journey and keep
an open mind about the results. You can think of it as casting out your nets wide but
pulling them in cautiously and picking and choosing the few opportunities you really want.
Don’t forget to consider if they deserve to have you on board.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Why Am I On Hold?

7 WHY AM I ON HOLD?
“You gain strength and confidence by every experience in which you really stop
to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

If you have done all the work as suggested so far, you should now be fully fired up and
moving towards making your new work destination a reality. If you haven’t already started,
it is vital that you get the ball rolling as soon as possible and take that all important first
step. It does not matter how big or small it is, as long as you take some kind of action.
If you don’t take action now, you may stagnate and never move forward.

In case you find that your brakes have unexpectedly come on and you can’t seem to move
forward, then there is probably a good reason. If you feel suddenly stuck despite all the
analysis, assessments and preparations, it could be that many things are getting in your way
and you just don’t know how to get unstuck or fight those scary feelings.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Why Am I On Hold?

7.1 OTHER PLANS


A common reason for the hold-up could be because you have some other tasks to accomplish
first before you take the leap. Firstly, decide what exactly you need to get done before you
can start looking for a job. Or is it simply procrastination? If you find yourself making
excuses for not starting, then go back to Chapter two and do the exercises again. It could be
that you are not yet hungry enough and perhaps, should stay where you are for the moment.

On the other hand, it maybe that you really need to do something important first such
as a project, training course or moving house before you can change your job. It could be
that you are in a situation which is holding you back such as waiting for your children to
get a little older or you need to gain a necessary promotion first.

Whatever your present circumstances, consider these other tasks as your interim goals
and include them on your vision board4. This will help you visualize the outcomes, stay
focused and work on your current objective. At the same time, you have already planted
the seed for your eventual future goal.

Next, draw a simple timeline on paper, that charts from now until you will be ready to
change your job. Put in the main stages for your interim goal along the line and note the
related tasks/objectives with dates. Don’t worry if this chart is not precise as it is simply
a rough guideline. Having a timeline will help you see and plan your goal and give you a
sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

7.2 BIGGER PLANS


Another reason that people often feel stuck is when the idea of changing jobs seems too
big and feels like a huge mountain to climb. Just thinking about all that you have to do
is stressful. Perhaps you have too much on your plate already and changing your job feels
too overwhelming.

In order to combat these overwhelming feelings, start by simply look back on the last
several years and recognize how much you have managed to do. Usually, we tend to forget
our recent accomplishments and all of the hard work and effort we have put into previous
projects, tasks or jobs. When you remind yourself of all that you have done and are capable
of, then you should feel reassured that even your next big task is achievable, over time.
Next, use the following tool to manage your mountain.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Why Am I On Hold?

Toolbox

Exercise 6.2: Chunk It Down

In order to climb the mountain more easily, break it down into workable stages and then
into further, smaller manageable chunks.

1. Think about the whole job change and brainstorm all that you need to do.
Write a list of everything that comes to mind and all that needs to be done.
If there are big tasks, break them down into smaller specific activities.
2. Go through the list and cross out anything unnecessary or that you can ask
someone else to do.
3. Group the items into logical stages or sections. An easy way to do this is by
drawing a mind map/spider diagram.
4. Decide the order of priority for each section. Give yourself a realistic timeframe
and put in a rough date for completing each section. Allocate a time and place
in your day/week to work on it when you will not be disturbed.
5. Choose one easy item to start with and just do this one task. Then, tick it off
your chart/list.
6. Congratulate yourself because you have completed this step. Reward yourself
with something small and fun/enjoyable every time you complete a section.

The trick is to not focus on the whole mountain ahead but aim at accomplishing just one
section/task at a time. If you do just one little thing every day and then reward yourself, you
will soon begin to see progress. In this way you will feel positive and be moving forward
in the right direction.

7.3 SCARY DRAGON


Many people get stuck at this stage because they have been sitting in their comfort zone
for too long7. Although they might have good reason to want to change jobs, any kind
of change can seem very scary. For instance, if you have worked in the same company for
many years or the job you truly desire is drastically different from your previous roles.

We all have these kinds of fears and I like to call them our inner ‘dragons’. If you find
yourself having to deal with this particular ‘Scary Dragon’, the best way to overcome it
is by firstly, naming it and admitting it exists. Ask yourself, ‘what is it that really worries
me?’, and say it out loud. For example, “I am afraid that if I leave my current job…will

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Why Am I On Hold?

happen.” Having recognized it, simply try to accept that this is a feeling and know that it
is temporary. Do not criticize or rationalize it.

Secondly, tell yourself that nothing is set in stone until you sign on the dotted line. In
other words, you could write to companies, send off job applications and go for interviews
but still say no at the end if you feel you have not found ‘the one’. You will still be in your
safe zone and the choice to move on is always in your hands.

The next step is to allow yourself to slowly put your toe in the water but don’t dive in just
yet. In other words, take one tiny step towards your heart’s desire which will not interfere
with your current role. For instance, you could study/research the topic online, visit a
potential company and just get to know them, talk to someone who is already doing that
kind of work or participate in some voluntary work. You can overcome this fear by simply
having a taster before making a decision about whether you really want to go ahead.

There is no need to pressurize yourself into making a huge change until you are absolutely
certain. Do your homework, be curious, find the answers to the questions spinning around
your head and learn more. When you know more about what the new job role entails and
have a clear understanding of what to (not) expect, you will feel more confident to take
the leap.

Now, it is time to take a break from reading and start motoring! Go and do something
to make your dream job a reality. Don’t forget to smile inside as you take that first step.

You will also find more helpful advice about how to get out of the comfort zone, climb
the mountain, manage projects, overcome procrastination and fears, in my previous e-book,
Goal Keeping.

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47
AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

8 HOW CAN I CREATE MY FUTURE?


“Everything is energy and that is all there is to it. Match the frequency
of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It
can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.”

– Albert Einstein

Congratulations! You have come a long way and you should be well on your way to getting
the job which you truly deserve. Your future is glowing and calling you towards it! Here in
the last chapter, you will find some valuable advice to give you that extra boost of rocket
fuel to, not only get you to your destination but keep you on track.

To create the future you really want, you must change your attitude from constantly focusing
on the things that are lacking in your life. In other words, spend less time thinking about
what you want and do not have yet, and more time thinking and feeling the way you
would if you had already achieved your goal. Simply having this mind set will change your
reality faster than you might expect.

8.1 CULTIVATING POSITIVITY


Perhaps, you have noticed things already changing inside yourself as well as externally, in
the world around you. Whilst you are on this journey of change you may feel somewhat
off balance at times or unsure about the steps you are taking. If you are feeling anxious or
uncomfortable at present because you don’t know what is around the corner, it is because
you are stepping outside of your comfort zone7. This is because you are now in a state of
change. Trust that things will naturally settle down and become more stable, in due course.

It is important to try and maintain a positive mind set whilst in this time of transition.
“Why?”, you may ask, “what happens if you don’t?” Let’s consider the reverse for a moment
and go back to the ‘serial complainers’ that I mentioned in Chapter two. These people
regularly think about all that they don’t like, don’t want and spend much time dwelling on
the negatives. Every night, they go to bed feeling annoyed, thinking about all that makes
them unhappy and wake up feeling equally discontent. This routine reinforces their beliefs
and every day is a repetition of the same negativity. Hence, they continue this negative
cycle of thinking and bring more problems into their awareness.

On the other hand, if we take someone who has the opposite mind set, we find that they
tend to focus on what makes them happy. These people go to bed with good thoughts

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

such as things that went well, looking forward to positive goals or simply feeling glad and
thankful. They also wake up with a happier outlook, have better health and tend to notice
more pleasant or beneficial things around them7. In life, whatever attitude we hold inside
is a direct reflection of the outside attitude we attract to ourselves.

This is not to suggest that you should become blindly positive and ignore everything negative.
On the contrary, it is imperative that you do consider any bad things in a pragmatic way.
Neither, worrying about all the negative possibilities or simply being over optimistic, will
make the problems go away. It is necessary to acknowledge the problem, analyse it, consider
the probability and evaluate it, then try to find possible solutions and take necessary action.

Having a positive mind set is more about cultivating an attitude that allows your mind to
focus on what is good and working well. If you can find answers and move forwards, you
will inevitably feel happier and less stressed most of the time. The following exercise will
help you change any habitual worries or negative cycles of thinking that are holding you
back. It may take a little time but gradually, you will begin to see and feel the difference.

Toolbox

Exercise 8.1 Positive Notes

This tool will help you turn negative thinking patterns into a positive thoughts and habits.

1. In your notebook, take a whole page. Draw a vertical line down the page to
create two wide columns. Label the left column ‘My Concerns’ and list everything
that is currently worrying you. This should include all the negative thoughts
floating around your mind such as worries about your work experience, skills,
the company, interviews, money, the family, etc.
2. Then label the right column ‘Positive Alternative Outcomes’ and write down
a good, opposite result for each concern on your list. Think about what you
would rather have instead of the negative/worrying thing. Your best alternative
outcomes must be written in the present, as though it is happening already.
Figure 7 shows some examples.
3. Copy of each of the positive outcomes onto separate sticky notes or small
pieces of paper. Put the notes where only you will see them regularly such as
beside your bed or inside your wardrobe door. Keep them private.
4. Visualize the outcomes and say the positive words to yourself, as soon as you
wake up and again, before sleeping. Imagine the words on each note as though
it has already happened. Dwell on each for a few moments, ensuring it gives
you a positive feeling5. Altogether, this should take no more than 2–3 minutes
every morning and night. Do this for at least one month.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

My Concerns Positive Alternative Outcome

There are no good jobs available There are enough good jobs and I have one

My skills/qualifications are not good enough My skills/qualifications are valuable and needed

What if I don’t find a job to fit my needs? I have found the perfect job to fit my needs

Most jobs don’t pay enough My job is well paid because I deserve it

Interviews make me so nervous My interviews were easy. I am always confident

I will never make money in this line of work I make plenty of money doing what I love

Figure 7. Positive Alternatives

In case you are feeling doubtful about the positive alternatives you have written, allow
yourself to do this exercise just for fun. You do not need to take it too seriously. Your
logical mind may tell you those alternatives cannot happen and are unrealistic. However,
your subconscious mind will believe and start working on them so they will become your
reality but only if you visualize at a relaxed level.

Therefore, I suggest you try it, anyway. If nothing changes, you have nothing to lose.
However, my clients that practiced this for just a short time, reported that their negative
thought patterns became less frequent. They found that their anxieties decreased and those
positive results actually started to happen!

Writing positive statements or affirmations and repeating them regularly will, not only
change those worries and negative thought patterns, but also align your thinking and beliefs
towards your true life path5. Instead of focussing on the things you don’t want, you will
focus on the things you do want and begin to take practical action towards them.

8.2 LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS


Whilst you are on the journey towards creating your best future, it is rare that everything
will go perfectly smoothly. Despite all the forward planning, preparation and positivity, there
are some things that we simply have no control over which can be challenging and throw
us off balance. So, here are a few ‘best practice’ ideas and suggestions which can help you
deal with those hurdles.

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

• Strong Currents
If you find yourself struggling against a strong current of challenges, there may be a
good reason.For instance, you have sent several job applications or written to many
companies but keep getting rejections or obstacles blocking your way. You are feeling
disheartened and disillusioned with everything. If so, then it is time to step back
and re-evaluate the path you had chosen. It may be that this road is not the right
one for you. Take a break and tell yourself, “I will find my right place” then, put
the whole thing on the shelf for about a month. This will allow you to relax and
your subconscious creative mind to dwell on alternative directions. Go back to the
first book and do the exercises in chapters three, four and five again.

• Trusting the Time Line


Over the years, I have noticed that sometimes you can work incredibly hard to make
a particular goal happen but it simply refuses to work. At other times, it only takes
a little effort with a similar goal and everything falls into place easily! The question
is why? I would suggest it is because your plans are only a small cog in the bigger
picture that needs to shift in order to fit you in. In other words, the other party is
simply not ready yet or you need to learn/change something else first.

Therefore, accept you are simply not in control of the timeline and trust that getting
your life on the right path takes its own natural time and pace. If the destination
still feels right, keep working at it because your efforts are not a waste of time. Ask
yourself if there is something else you need to do/have/be first. Eventually, you will
get the job you truly desire but you might need to tread a few different stepping
stones before you get there.

• Managing Expectations
Quite often we feel we need to do/have something because our parent, friend or
significant other keeps telling us to. Or sometimes, that need is dictated by our
society, culture, a group or community we are part of. However, these needs are
not necessarily our own wants or desires. They are the expectations of others that
are put upon us. You may find your mind keeps arguing against them. Or worse,
you are constantly having an inner conversation with yourself which is trying to
persuade you into the idea.

At other times, it is not the expectations of others that leads us off track but our own
expectations. We sometimes put so much pressure on ourselves to do/make/manage
things that we are not even aware of it. These are our self-expectations which are
not necessarily the things we truly want to do but have been conditioned to think
we want them. The key is to be calm and still for long enough so that you can hear

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AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

your own inner voice3. Listen deeply and trust that this voice knows exactly which
way you should go. It usually starts inside your belly with a feeling and sense of
knowing about what is right/wrong for you.

• Power Failures
Usually, it is good to work hard towards a desired goal but sometimes, the very
pursuit of it can cloud your vision. For example, you may have found the perfect
job opportunity, gone for the interview but failed to get it. You have followed all
the instructions in this book, sent out dozens of job applications, done everything
you possibly can but it is all taking too long. Perhaps you even received some job
offers but none have been ‘the one’ you wanted.

It can be hard to understand such situations and rise above them. One reason this
could be happening is because you were too hungry and trying too hard. If you find
yourself feeling desperate to change your job or convinced you must find the ideal
job as soon as possible, try to let go of control, just a little. The need for power over
your destination is only your ego’s desire, not your true self/heart’s desire.

The best way to do this is by steadily working towards your future goals but releasing
the need to have it exactly as you envisioned. You will feel more empowered if you can
accept that there will be an ideal job for you but it might arrive in a different guise
than you originally expected. In my career, one of the most enjoyable, rewarding and
successful jobs I ever had began as a temporary post which I wasn’t really interested
in. You must believe that you deserve to have the perfect job and that all good
things will come to you in due course.

8.3 FIRST AND LAST


My final suggestion is a way of thinking that I recommend to everyone. The more you
practice this, the more joy, harmony and satisfaction your life will have. It is to develop
the habit of being glad and grateful for everything that comes your way. If you can allow
yourself to feel gratitude every morning and night, it will reduce any negative thinking you
were dwelling on and increase good feelings/thoughts and bring more good things your
way. It does not matter what it is, you can be thankful for anything small or big, even the
challenges. Simply sit with this feeling for a few moments everyday and you’ll soon notice
it inject more happiness into your life and spread it to all around you.

This book has focussed on increasing your self-awareness and inner confidence in order to
prepare and propel you towards the job you truly desire. You have learned how to apply all of

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52
AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? How Can I Create My Future?

this self understanding, for not only finding the right job, but also to get aligned with your
long-term destination. No matter what your circumstances, one of the greatest personal
assets you can have is to know the who, what, why about yourself. As you appreciate these
aspects of yourself, the how, when and where becomes clear and the current will naturally
start flowing for you, not against you.

In time, the right job will come your way. You will know that you are in the right place
because at the end of each day you will go home smiling inside and feeling energised. If you
are deeply in love with the work you do, life becomes more effortless, takes on a whole
new meaning and you will most certainly be on your life path. I sincerely wish you all
the best of luck and hope you achieve this wonderful feeling of fulfilment. May you soon
be able to say, “I am very happy with my job!”

If you have found this book helpful, then I would love to hear from you. Do write to me
with your ideas, thoughts or stories to this email.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT

BUSINES
S GAME
23 & 24 M
ay 2014
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a business
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Interact
w ith stud
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St ay a nigh umni
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The Master of Science in Master program at Nyenrode an achievement, from which


Management has been you can benefit for the rest of your life. During this
voted the Best Master 2014 in the Netherlands for the program you will not only learn in class, you will also
fifth time running. This could only be achieved because of develop your soft skills by living on campus and
our remarkable students. Our students distinguish by working together in the student association. Do you
themselves by having the courage to take on challenges think this program is something for you? Then it is our
and through the development of the leadership, pleasure to invite you to Nyenrode. Go to
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53
AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? Final words

9 FINAL WORDS

Acknowledgements
• This book is dedicated to my soul sister who has at last, found the job that deserves
her passion.
• My endless gratitude to all my clients that entrust me in guiding them and give
my life such meaning.
• To all at Book Boon, I am ever grateful for the privilege of sharing this knowledge.

Please Note:
This book provides numerous tools that have been exclusively designed by the author. These
tools must be used with care and by following the given instructions. They may be used by
a trained/qualified employment trainer or occupational specialist but only for the purpose
of job searching and personal development.

Want to Know More?


If, after reading this book you need a little extra help, I would be delighted to support you.
Just drop me a line with your question or concern in an email or message on Facebook.

Tell me about your job searching stories, either in writing or by video. Your stories will
help many others find their way towards a happier job.

If you or someone you know would like to find out more about my online one-to-one
life coaching or would like to have a no obligation, free coaching session with me, please
send me a short email.

Stay connected and get free mind development and life coaching material by subscribing
to my website.

At present, we are developing an all new ‘mind retreat’ group course that will be held on
the Canary islands! It will include many of the Am I Happy techniques along with various
other life changing activities. Follow me on Facebook, send a message or email me and I
will keep you up to date with more details.

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54
AM I HAPPY WITH MY JOB? References

10 REFERENCES
1. Fight or Flight response
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response
http://www.henricksconsulting.com/2011/01/fight-or-flight/

2. Competency or Behaviour Based Interview Questions


https://flexsource.ie/job-seeker-tips/competency-based-interviews/
Employability Skills
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html

3. Daniel Goleman: How to Hear Your Inner Voice


http://www.danielgoleman.info/daniel-goleman-how-to-hear-your-inner-voice-2/

4. How to Make a Vision Board


https://artfulparent.com/2014/12/make-vision-board-works-10-steps.html

5. John Assaraf: Positive Affirmations


http://johnassaraf.com/law-of-attraction/how-to-make-affirmations-work-for-you

6. Interview Tips
https://www.job-interview-wisdom.com/job-interview-tips.html#pursue
https://www.thebalance.com/job-interview-questions-and-answers-2061204

7. Comfort Zones: video by www.inknowation.com


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhFxQlDPjaY

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