But here we are in the middle of the year that was going to be the one when everything was going to be different. We were going to achieve those resolutions about transforming our lives, changing things that aren’t working for us and finally moving on to the job that we dream of. We always have a good excuse not to act, we tell ourselves that it’s not the right time to upset the applecart and we should just enjoy the moment and the holiday we have looked forward to since the last one. But what would it be like if we enjoyed our working life so much that we didn’t have to focus all our energies on holidays and time off?
I have many really fond memories of my local government job and it took me a long time to take the leap and leave to start my own business. There was always a good reason why the time wasn’t yet right. I had a good salary….I loved the people I worked with…I had been there for ages…I was scared…..It was however, the very best thing I ever did for myself.
At the time, I worked in that role for three days a week and the aim was to build up my business using the other days available to me. One day I met up with a freelance consultant I knew and traded her a lunch for some advice about getting my embryonic business to the next level. Her advice really shook me. She told me that, in her view, I would never realise my dream if I stayed in my comfortable and safe job.
I was really shocked and didn’t immediately take on board what she was saying. I went back to the office that day inclined to disregard what she had said but somehow, it stayed with me and I kept replaying the conversation in my head over and over again.
Now I know that this was the best advice I ever received.
There are a whole lot of reasons why it’s easier to stay in a familiar working environment for far longer than we ever should;
- A lovely regular salary
- A good bunch of co-workers to hangout with at the water cooler, especially useful when you feel like a good moan.
- The safety of the familiar routine
- The comfort zone we inhabit
But how comfortable is that comfort zone? When was the last time you got up in the morning and really looked forward to the working day?
Sometimes those water cooler conversations focus on complaints and how miserable some people really are in the course of their working lives. It’s so easy to ‘join in’ and get carried away with grumbling and moaning until even the enjoyable parts of a job are overshadowed by negativity and pessimism. Precious time is frittered away longing for the weekend, annual leave, bank holidays, Christmas and ultimately, retirement. It doesn’t have to be like that, most people spend more than forty hours a week at work and more than thirty years clocking on and off. Isn’t it worth pushing forward towards that job of your dreams?
For advice, coaching and support why not contact Francine at Orrganise?
Don't agonise, orrganise!