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Are you at a point where your career doesn't feel right, but you
can't put your finger on the problem? You're not alone. These
days, many lawyers, doctors and other professionals – high-achievers
all – are showing signs of the career blues. Any career
will feel hollow unless it brings satisfaction in four different
areas – status, mastery, balance and meaning. The following
questions may help you finally "put the finger" on
the roots of your career malaise.
- Status – Are you satisfied with your standard
of living? Have you climbed the ladder in your field as far as you'd
like to go? Do you feel respected and recognized by your peers? Do
you feel comfortable enough now to want to give back? If you answered
yes to at least three of these questions (or lean in that direction),
you've attained a level of status – whether financial security,
prestige, influence or the respect of your peers – that you
desire.
- Mastery – Are you currently involved in a project with a
stimulating learning curve and an upcoming measurable result? Can
you see the next stimulating project coming down the pike? Do people
you respect recognize your expertise and results? Does the subject
matter of your work still engage you? If you answered yes to at least
three of these questions (or lean in that direction), you've attained
a satisfying level of mastery in your profession, i.e., the ability
to produce an objectively measurable outcome that stands as proof
to the world of your competence and talent.
- Balance – Are you satisfied with the number and quality of
relationships in your life? Are you spending all the time you'd like
with your family and friends? Do you spend enough time each week
tending to your physical, creative and spiritual sides? Is there
a changing rhythm to your days and weeks, created by interaction
with a variety of people and activities? If you answered yes to at
least three of these questions (or lean that way), you've created
a satisfying balance among commitments to your work, your relationships
and yourself.
- Meaning – Does your work draw upon the best parts of yourself,
both in terms of your skills and your values? Are you still learning
new things about yourself and the world around you? Can you express
your true self through your work? Do you feel your work makes a meaningful
contribution? If you answered yes to at least three of these questions
(or lean in that direction), your work satisfies your need for meaningful
contribution.
The Bottom line – If you're hitting strong in all four areas,
it's time now to pick something new challenge - whether at work,
in volunteer activities or as a hobby. But if your responses in one
or more of the above four categories were in the negative, It’s
time for a major career tune-up. Click on Career
Counselor Locator and select a career counselor nearest you.
By Deborah Arron, JD, What Can You Do With
a Law Degree? A Lawyer’s
Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside & Around the Law (DecisionBooks, 2003)
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