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The ABC’s to Your Dream Job
5-17-2017
"How’s work going?" This is such a common question that we never really answer. After all, does anyone really care about our employment issues when they have a list of their own? Have we all become conditioned to put up with the daily grind and just keep smiling?
The employment decisions that we made a month ago, a year ago or even five years ago can certainly impact our everyday life today. Stop and think about your job. Do you wake up each morning and throw the alarm clock across the room? Are you frustrated before you even get to your desk? Are you sick and tired of feeling like your world is spinning and you can’t get off?
In today’s world of non-stop pressure we often forget that true success doesn’t come in a paycheck or in the prestige of a job title. If you ask people what makes them content in their job it usually is a reflection of the overall components of their 8 to 5 life. Things like making it to their son’s hockey game on time, telecommuting or casual dress Fridays are often elements that are important. So why can’t you have these elements in your job? Have you ever made a formal proposal to your boss to make your job the “right” job? If your job had the “right” elements would you stop throwing that alarm clock each morning? How nice that would be! You can make it change!
The steps to creating your dream job are as easy as ABC. However, it is up to you to make it happen, as no employer will do that for you. So get out that pen and paper and prepare for a great new job.
Follow the ABC’s for creating your dream job today!
1. "A" Assess Your Dream Plan. What are the factors that would make you most happy in a job? Is it specific duties, money, location, hours, environment, dress code...etc? Make a list of the pros and cons of your job. Determine the cons you can tackle with a reasonable alternative. Are these changes possible in your current job or would you need to seek employment elsewhere? If you seek to remain in your current company begin with only 1-2 significant changes. And be realistic about what an employer can accomplish.
2. "B" Build a Plan of Action. Once you have written down your objectives then it is time to build support for your success. The first key is to identify the benefits to the employer. For example; telecommuting will allow you to work at any hour necessary; casual dress would help lighten the tone in the office; a raise that included an additional key responsibility for you would lighten your boss’s workload; a half day on Friday would reduce stress; flextime would allow for the phone lines to be open for additional hours…etc. The second key is to research related success stories of other employees, departments or companies. And the third key is to identify the direct reasons that this change will enable you to do a better job for the company.
3. "C" Communicate Your Proposal. Preparation is the foundation to any sales proposal. You will be selling the benefits of change to your manager and the company. In turn this will provide the dream job you wish to create. First, if possible, present your proposal in general terms to another trusting manager for feedback and suggestions. Secondly, set the stage for your manager. Begin by giving him a strategically written note requesting a meeting to discuss your current position and desired changes. Upon meeting, wear your best attire and brightest smile, feel your confidence and believe in your well-developed plan of action. Thirdly, be prepared and secure in addressing any questions and/or concerns he may raise. Never become defensive, as this may appear that you are not being fully honest.
Once you have followed the ABC’s and successfully presented your proposal it is time to celebrate. Hopefully, your employer will see the value of the changes and your frustrations will ease. However, don’t be discouraged if “no” is the answer, as it simply calls for you to reassess your situation. Remember that regardless of the outcome, you have proven that you have the ability to take control of your life. Stand tall and remember that you are always your own best advocate.
Footnotes: Footnotes: Aleem Kamal,MBA is the President of Arza Employment Services Ltd based in Surrey, British Columbia.
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