Are You In The Wrong Job?

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7 years ago I was miserable in my corporate HR job and working 12-18 hour days. (see the post that popped up in my FB memories, I remember vividly just how horrible it felt). I didn’t expect to do unrelenting downsizing ever again…but, there I was.
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The Health Scare

Later that week I started having chest pains and a headache that just wouldn't go away. I went to see my doctor thinking I might have popped a rib but instead, she diagnosed me with high blood pressure and sent me for heart tests.

My Dad had a triple bypass at age 45 so you can imagine what I was thinking.; it messed with my head. The doc insisted I take a minimum of two weeks off with absolutely no work. I went to a clinic the next day for a heart stress test and sent home with a holter monitor (heart and blood pressure thing) 

​Something happens to you when you have a health scare and realize it's been cause by the work that you hate doing. You immediately start taking stock and assess what steps you need to take to make it stop.

For two full weeks my computer and work phone were put away (for a workaholic this was tough at first), then I did everything to relax - massage, yoga, meditation, nature walks. And what do you know, my blood pressure returned to normal (I bought a home machine to check), I slept better, felt happier and that confirmed what had to happen next - plan for how and when to quit and get out of that job!

Upon my return to work, instead of concern for my well being I was met with an exit package - its like my dreams came true! Oddly, they asked me to work through my notice because, duh they were downsizing and needed me to finish off my client group. 

Not only did that break-up make great sense but it became the Best. Outcome. Ever! This horrible moment actually launched me into the work I love to do.

How You Know You're in the Wrong Job

If you are having zero fun at work, please use this post as the sign you need to make a change!

Don't wait until your health smacks you in the head to go find work that lights you up every day. I should have paid attention to the signs that I was in the wrong place. Instead, the stress built up and hit the blood pressure button!!

Here are some of the clues that told me I was in the wrong job:​

• I dreaded getting up to go to work
• I felt so under-appreciated
• My skills were not aligned to the work
• I felt like the misfit in the team
• The work I was doing felt really daunting
• No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to get the work done

But what do you do if you are checking all the above off? I say get out, whether it is your own doing or a mutual parting of ways, check out some of my recommended strategies in my other blog: when work sucks the life out of you, it is time to go!

What Work Lights You Up?

How to know what work lights you up... answer the questions below:

• What do you love to talk about, and never tire of it?
• What are your best skills?
• What does everyone else come to you for?
• What were you doing last time you completely lost track of time?
• Have you ever had a job where it didn't feel like work

I always tell my clients to do self discovery; really dig into who you are, how people remember you and what comes the most easily for you - these are all clues for what you should be doing.

I offer a free blueprint of success you can also use to try to figure out what makes you great! Once you have a good idea of what that is, then you can take steps to find your next move.

There are always moves you can take. It could be within the same company or department you're already in, or it could be completely different. Start dreaming again of who you want to be and the path will open up.

If you need a little help, reach out to me, I have a great batting average for helping people find a healthier path!