Another in my series of Women and Careers. In a recent coaching session I was talking with my client about how her paid work was beginning to feel very unfulfilling.
We acknowledged that in the current climate, having a job which paid reasonably well, with friendly colleagues, was not to be sniffed at. It was just a tad dull with few opportunities around to change.
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Do You Know What’s Missing?
It’s probably fair to say that quite a large number of women come to me because they’re unhappy with their current role. Part of my role as a coach is to help them make good choices, have a plan. Sometimes this is tricky because we all know what we don’t want. It’s finding what we do want that is tricky. We all make much better choices when we’re running towards something attractive. Running away from something we’ve stopped caring about is not usually a recipe for success.
So, we explored together just what was missing. In her case it was relatively easy to pinpoint. She missed the opportunities for developing staff and supporting others. Her role had become more office based. This resonated strongly with me as I began life as a hands on social worker (well, not actually hands on, that would have got me sacked). The longer I was in management the less I felt I was being true to myself. (If you’re interested you can read more about my career path here.)
Women and Careers – Thinking Sideways
When your job is not exactly what you want, don’t forget there are other options than leaving to fill those developmental gaps. In this case, volunteering was a possible option. We considered working for a local charity where she could make use of her supportive and empathetic skills.
That said, I do appreciate that more work outside of actual work is not always an option, especially for women for obvious reasons. In which case, look inside your organisation.
Career Progression
Maybe to move to the next level you need more experience of handling budgets, for example. Don’t always look to your employer to fill this gap. I know of a woman who got appointed to a senior role without ever having had extensive formal budget experience, an essential requirement of the person specification. She had, however, taken on the PTA treasurer role. She was able to demonstrate that she had all the competencies required and was given the job.
Within work, are there opportunities for shadowing, secondments, mentoring, helping with a project outside your department? Try to think creatively. Put together your own solution then take a ready made package to your manager/director. If you give them an answer rather than yet another problem on their plate, they’re so much more likely to say yes.
Photo Credits: Marten Newhall on Unsplash & Getty Images
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on April 4th, 2023 by Jane
