Getting back to work after a long summer break can be tough with many people suffering an extended case of Sunday night-itus, or back to work blues, at this time of year. It’s important to ease back in as gently as you can – this feeling of the blues will only last a few days and it’s completely normal.
Try and set a really tight, short to-do list of what you can realistically accomplish in those first few days so you don’t head straight into overwhelm. Be ruthless about what really needs to be done first, and get a few quick wins under your belt.
The break also offers time for reflection — it’s no coincidence that this is traditionally the time of year when CVs are reviewed and the amount of online job searches peak. A recent SEEK survey shows that 76 per cent of us are either actively seeking or monitoring the job market, and a whopping two thirds are keen on a move to a different industry. Could 2015 be the year you find your dream job?
I believe each of us has a career “sweet spot” — this is where our passions, skills and experience and our innate aptitudes intersect. The ideal role is a combination of what we love, what we know how to do, and what we are naturally good at. It is possible for all of us to start to move towards this. SEEK’s research backs up what I see with my career coaching clients every day: many people are excited by the prospect of a career or industry change — but they feel fear or resistance to making the leap in reality.
Remember a change in career doesn’t have to be drastic and can be a measured process where the risks are managed comfortably — it doesn’t even have to be a radical change — think evolution not revolution. Many times it’s actually possible to significantly increase satisfaction and fulfilment within your current company and role — once you get focused on what it is you do want (not what you don’t) you empower yourself to have the conversations you need to start moving the role in the direction you desire.
The good news is the 2015 workplace is increasingly fluid — with a bit of planning and courage we can literally create opportunities around our career sweet spot. I see many people making profound change to follow their passion or to hone their work-life balance with increased flexibility. It’s very common for people to have multiple careers within a lifetime, and employers are often really open to someone with the tenacity and courage to shape a whole new future for themselves that makes their soul sing.
Louise Thompson is a life coach, author and corporate escapee. Read more Bite articles from Louise or visit louisethompson.com for more. Louise is a life coach, author and corporate escapee.