Professional Powerhouse™ | Executive Career Advice, Executive Brand Management

Executive Brand Strategy Career Coach Kristi Daeda

The Perfect Job or Pipe Dream? Choosing career satisfaction

by Kristi on July 26

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I just feel like there’s something more out there for me.

Everyone’s looking for the Perfect Job. From Boomers who are looking to have a career that means something in the world to the Gen Y upstart who doesn’t feel that paying corporate dues is strictly necessary anymore. Many, many smart professionals are experiencing career ennui.

And while it’s true that some professionals do find a calling — the job that gets them to spring out of bed each morning, work tirelessly in support of lofty goals, and through which they feel they can create a legacy to be proud of — many more professionals find themselves falling short of career bliss.

If you’re in the second category, you might be considering a career change. Before you give up the stability and momentum behind your current career path, look hard at why you’re looking to make the leap, and other alternatives to meet those needs. Let’s look at the five most-cited reasons for making a career change in pursuit of the Perfect Job, and the top ways that you might not get what you’re looking for.

Reason 1: I want to make an impact on the world.

I’ve met dozens of successful, high-powered professionals who want to chuck the corporate lifestyle and go work for a non-profit. For some, the non-profit world can be the perfect job — using your talents to support a cause or organization you believe in can add an extra layer of satisfaction to your work. On the other hand, many find the non-profit world stifling. You may have to deal with tighter purse strings and significantly heavier oversight from volunteer Boards and committees. Where once you may have enjoyed the benefit of being able to delegate a good portion of your department’s workload, you may suddenly be both strategic leader and copy clerk.

Before choosing a non-profit path, talk to several who work in the organizations that you’re targeting. Learn more about what many find to be the perfect job elements — working hours, sense of purpose — and the cons — reduced autonomy and resources. Determine for certain if the switch will get you what you want.

If your new potential perfect job doesn’t turn out to be as you imagined, remember that your sense of purpose does not completely derive from your employment. Consider immersing yourself in volunteer work or a pet project that benefits your community on your off time.

Reason 2: I’m not using the full breadth of my capabilities in my current role.

It’s easy to get trapped in a silo — to have worked your way high enough in an organization that your role is either so specialized that you don’t get to flex your muscles often or so far removed from the customer or product that you don’t get to see the direct results of your labor. Because corporate roles tend to be narrowly defined, many executives find that to explore areas outside of their core responsibility is nearly impossible.

This is the point where you might be tempted to say, “Look, I’ve been a COO, now I want to have a greater impact in the sales arena.” And it’s natural to want to expand your skill set — especially since the next logical step up for you might require a much broader experience within the company. But you may be able to create a way to enhance those skills without leaving your current post.

Consider first a frank conversation with your manager. If you’ve been delivering great results where you are, asking for an opportunity to get a broader view of the organization is a development opportunity that he or she should consider. Look for strategic projects that touch other functional areas and volunteer to contribute your talents. Identify an area for growth at the company level that allows you some direct view on how other areas are functioning.

If internal opportunities aren’t immediately obvious, try looking for a mentor outside of your organization in an area where you’d like to develop. Use your time to gain exposure to a new function, generate ideas of how your existing role can interface better with other functional areas, and generally expand your understanding.

Or, consider an entrepreneurial project. Even a small side opportunity will naturally turn you into chief cook and bottle washer overnight. If tackling sales, marketing, accounting and operations for your own enterprise would give you the skills stretch you’re looking for, consider options for creating a side business.

Reason 3: I’m looking for more excitement, challenge or a general change.

Many times, the urge for a professional change isn’t so much that where we are is no longer serving us — it’s that we’re looking for growth. Your definition of the Perfect Job may require stretching your skills daily.

If you find yourself craving change, ask yourself — when was the last time your work challenged you? Inspired you? Pushed your boundaries?

Oftentimes, after years with the same organization we’ve become excellent at doing what we do each day — and being excellent can get boring. But taking your excellence elsewhere isn’t your only option. What if you could lead a new initiative within your organization? What if you recommitted to enhancing your skills in a key area? Perhaps you’ve get phenomenal skills in delegation and operations management, but want to build stronger relationships with your direct reports. Or, perhaps you could take the lead in succession planning in your department, cultivating skills in others. These may not be mission critical endeavors, but if you’re delivering top-notch results with effort to spare, why not focus on personal improvement in a key area or two?

Consider a workshop or class — perhaps even funded by your company — and try to apply the concepts to fine tune your leadership in key areas.

Reason 4: I don’t think I want to play the corporate game anymore.

If you’re burned out, it may seem like there’s no option but to get out.

Frustration with back-room deals, politics, backbiting and the competitive atmosphere can dampen anyone’s corporate enthusiasm. But many times executives make the mistake of assuming the problem is the environment. “If I just get out of here,” they think, “it will be different.”

Unfortunately, too many times it’s not true. Sometimes the place is just so toxic that everyone struggles to succeed. Other times, you can make a change that will shift the landscape for you, making success and even enjoyment of your work possible again.

Is there anyone in your workplace who seems not to struggle with the issues you’re dealing with? What makes their situation different than yours? Is it something you can emulate?

What if you chose to interact with your team, manager or subordinates differently? What if you chose not to play the game? What impact might that have on your day to day?

One of the biggest struggles a professional can tackle is change in the face of culture. If you’re willing to do a little social experimenting and break out of the predictable office patterns, you just might be able to create a better work environment for you and those around you.

At the very least, it should keep you busy.

Reason 5: I don’t feel like I’m competitive in my market anymore.

If you’re working in an industry that’s been decimated due to the economy, or if you’ve found that your industry for some reason is passing you by and you’re not interested in tagging along, you may be considering a step outside of your career.

Often when I talk to people evaluating this option, they believe by making a career change, they’ll have an easier time finding a new job.

They’re wrong. The difference in making the switch isn’t in this job search — it’s the next one.

By moving into an industry where you don’t have experience, you’re typically standing in line behind all the people who do have experience. It’s not impossible to get seen and get hired, but you are going to have to work harder to get noticed.

Once you’ve secured that first dream job in the industry, it’ll be easier for you to make the transition to other positions from there. If the industry truly does provide more opportunity — think healthcare or green jobs — then your long-term prospects are much better. But short term you may actually be worse off.

So do a clear accounting. If the market force you’re up against is temporary, the hard work you’ll need to get into a new industry may not be worth it, as applying the same work within your industry is more likely to pay off. However, if what you do now is on its way to extinction, you’re right to consider a jump.

Before chasing The Perfect Job — be very clear on what perfect means to you

Don’t find yourself in a career bind because you bought the brochure of what career satisfaction should look like. Do your research, and understand the pros and cons of any career jump. Only then can you evaluate if a change is in your best interest — or will lead you down a blind alley.