I want to escape my computer and do something worthwhile

ShiftDoctor answer

By Jessica McGrego... on 12 April 2007 at 17:41

Fantastic - you have reached the point that many others have reached before you in that you no longer just want a job to earn money, but actually want work that has a personal meaning to you. In other words moving from career to vocation, and hence fulfilment.

One of the words that stood out from your question was worthwhile. I think this is a good starting point. Take some time to ponder this question. What does worthwhile mean to you? It is different for everyone and what may be worthwhile to one person, e.g. working with animals in a rescue home, may not fit the bill for another. So, with this in mind ask yourself:

• What are the elements of worthwhile?

• In whose eyes is it worthwhile?

• What kind of outcome does it need to have, i.e. is it a total solution (cure someone) or more of a supportive role (work in a hospice)?

• Is it limited to a particular sector of society, where does it operate?

• Which of your personal values does worthwhile embody?

• Why is it worthwhile?

Once you get a feeling of what worthwhile entails the next word to take a look at is rewarding. For your work to be rewarding it needs to embody your passions. It needs to make your heart sing. To start the process answer the following questions:

Write out some immediate responses to the following. (No censoring)

1. What do I really love to do?

2. What makes my heart sing?

3. What kind of environment do I love to be in?

4. What kind of people do I love to be around and have around me?

5. What excites me, turns me on, gets me fired up?

6. What am I really good at? (Not what would I like to be good at!)

7. What do people say I am good at? (whether I agree with them or not!)

8. What are my unique skills --- list all skills I have!!!! (Think outside the box here, not just work related skills)

9. What comes easily to me, like in a natural ability? (This is not about how good you are at it.)

10. What matters to me?

11. If money weren't an issue, how would I live my life?

12. If I did know what my big dream was, what would it be?

13. If I had to guess, or even make it up, what would I guess or make up?

14. If I knew that I was guaranteed success, what would I choose as my big dream?

Ok, so from your answers to both the worthwhile and rewarding questions you will have a clearer picture of what is important to you. It might be working as a paramedic, that might tick all the boxes, but if it doesn't then widen the net.

For example, if ‘children' and ‘supporting' features highly then ask yourself in what environment can I see myself with these two elements? Or if ‘adults', ‘organisation' and ‘underprivileged' features where can I see that leading me? It is difficult to think of new careers from cold, but once you identify some elements that you'd like to have in that new career then you are much more open to ideas. Take this newfound information and play with some combinations. One way you can do this is to go to a website like Monster.com and put some of the key elements you have identified into the search window. Select a job sector and see what comes up. This is not necessarily to find a job, but more to get ideas about what kinds of jobs are out there. This is eye opener, there is more out there than you can ever imagine.

As you go through this process you can also identify a couple of close friends or family members who you feel know you inside out and are totally supportive in a change for you. Talk with them about these elements, see what ideas they come up with. Have a brainstorming session with no censoring of any ideas. If someone comes up with something crazy instead of saying no, let new and other ideas grow from that one. Note each idea that registers excitement in you, that makes you feel enthused and ‘wow, I'd love that!" Follow it up. You are on a treasure hunt for a golden prize, a career of your choosing that will be worthwhile and rewarding, it's worth a little digging.

Jessica lives in southern Spain and works internationally as a Life Coach enabling people to follow their dream and gain fulfilment in every area of life. She has worked with many career shifters and particularly enjoys using her own life experience, including her time in the corporate world, to support those making whatever move they choose. She offers a free introductory session; if you would like more information please call +34 958 639 593, email jessica@jessicamcgregorjohnson.com or visit http://www.jessicamcgregorjohnson.com/