Do you wake up looking forward to your day or do you spend the first 15 minutes trying to think of new ways to call in sick at work? Obviously, every day at work won't be perfect, but my aim for for you to be doing work that brings more good days than bad. So, let's answer the burning question, shall we? Should you stay or should you go? Choose the answer that fits best.
1. How long have you been at this job?
a) Too long. Get me out of here.
b) Under 6 months or greater than 2 years.
c) Over 6 months but less than 2 years.
2. What is your overall feeling at 4 pm on a Sunday evening?
a) Dread about going back to work
b) I don't think about work at all on Sundays
c) Gratitude. I'm rested and ready to dig back into my projects!
3. Your alarm goes off on Monday morning. You immediately think:
a) How can I get out of this? I'm calling in sick and I don't care what anyone thinks.
b). Ugh, I can't hit snooze again or I'll be late. Better get going!
c). Busy day! I think I'll dress up a little more today to really impress at my morning meeting. Glad I packed a great lunch last night to keep my energy up!
4. What is your typical routine when you arrive at work?
a) I pound back a few coffees to wake up and try to avoid my annoying coworkers as long as possible. I check my favourite websites and then do the bare minimum I can get away with to avoid getting fired.
b) Put my coat on the back of my chair so my boss knows I'm in, catch up with a few colleagues over coffee only to realize 2 hours has past. Woops! Guess I better get some work done!
c) Immediately begin working on a big project and lose track of time while regularly stopping for quick hydration and stretch breaks. I feel productive and motivated.
5. How do you feel after work?
a) Anxious, drained and depressed.
b) Relieved the day is done.
c) Happy about progress made and looking forward to the evening's activities.
6. How do you feel about your coworkers?
a) Can't stand any of them.
b) One or two are okay. Most aren't really my cup of tea or I don't have any.
c) I consider them family and I enjoy planning fun activities with them outside of work.
7. What's the best thing about your job?
a) Lunchtime
b) I'm only in it for the paycheck--even that is lacking.
c) I love coming to work with great people and making a difference in the world.
8. What is your usual feeling about your boss?
a) I daydream about him/her getting transferred, fired, or carried off by a wild animal.
b) Meh. I've had better and I've had worse.
c) Nobody's perfect but our relationship is good and there is mutual respect.
9. How is appreciation for a job well-done shown at your work?
a) More work is the reward.
b) I might get a thank you or I might not.
c) I feel recognized and rewarded for my efforts with regular pay increases, bonuses and other perks.
10. Envision your life one year into the future. You are at the same job. How do you feel?
a) Nauseous and depressed.
b) I hope things have improved.
c) Excited about the future and proud of my accomplishments.
11. Have you always longed to do something other than the job you are currently doing?
a) Yes, I know exactly what I want to do, I'm just not sure how to make it happen.
b) I'm not sure.
c) This is all I ever want to do.
12. Do you have a long commute?
a) Yes, and I hate it.
b) Work isn't as close as I'd like but I manage ok.
c) I don't have a commute or it's super easy.
Get Your Unscientific Results (this is just for fun but good food for thought!). Choose the category that fits best:
Mostly A's
You're clearly not happy with your current job and should do something about your situation. You spend too much time at work to keep on like this. Don't ever feel like you're trapped or limited as to what you can achieve. It might feel impossible to make a change but if you keep going the way you are going, you might not have a choice anyway! Your job performance, physical and mental health are likely suffering. What is one small step you could take to get yourself moving in a better direction? Need something to try? Click HERE.
Mostly B's
You're comfortable in your job but things could definitely be better. If you feel the job has potential, start thinking of a small step you could take towards improving your situation. Try mixing up your routine, looking into some professional development options, volunteer for a new project or ask for more work. If you try a few things and are feeling restless, bored or unmotivated, it might be time for a change. Think of a few more small steps--join a professional association or industry group, work on your networking, browse some job boards, set up some lunches with your contacts to discuss new developments in your industry or field.
Mostly C's
You're currently happy where you work. It sounds like the right place for you! You are one of the lucky few who find your job fulfilling, enjoyable, and challenging! Try not to get complacent or too comfortable though. Keep seeking new challenges at work. Maintain your professional network, and keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. It never hurts to have an up-to-date resume also. Do a comparison of your earnings with what is being offered in the labour market from time to time and don't be afraid to ask to be compensated fairly and appropriately. Check out the Payscale website if you'd like to look at some data.
I know something brought you here and maybe it was a search for what to do next about your career. There are a few ways I can help:
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Sarah took the Make Work Better quiz and said this:
“Christine! I wanted to say thanks. I completed the quiz and then it clicked: I don't feel my contributions are recognized or valued by my employer. Time to have a tough conversation and make some decisions. Thanks for the nudge.”
Kim, a one on one coaching client had this to say about working with me:
I followed Christine on social media for quite some time before I reached out so I felt confident that she was the right coach for me. I’d recommend her coaching for anyone who feels stuck in their career and doesn’t quite know where to begin – anyone looking for accountability and motivation to change. Working with Christine led to a huge shift in my thinking about the level of power I have over my personal contentment. What I liked best about working with Christine was that I felt safe – she is genuine, honest and supportive – so I was able to be vulnerable and easily share what I needed in order to move forward. Her constant reassurance that it’s okay to continue exploring, shifting and changing as I grow was invaluable for my piece of mind. Most importantly, Christine believed in me when I had trouble believing in myself. She helped me truly internalize that no matter what obstacles and challenges arise, I can persevere and continue moving forward.
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