Not so in love with your job? You’re not alone. A survey by Deloitte reveals 80 percent of employees in the U.S. don’t like their jobs, while a study by Gallup says 71 percent of workers don’t feel engaged at work. The figures are definitely something to be concerned about. If you think about how most people spend the biggest chunk of their waking hours at work, you’ll realize just how the majority are not just unhappy and dissatisfied at what they do – they’re unhappy and dissatisfied, period.
If you’re working and/or living in San Jose, Ca., you’re probably in a better place than others. Forbes ranks San Jose, California second in their list of The Top 15 Cities for Employee Satisfaction, describing the top rankers as places where people find “the deepest levels of satisfaction with their work.”
But experts are quick to point out that sometimes, it’s not the location that determines your level of engagement with your work. In many cases, it’s all about taking a stand and actively designing the exact life that you want for yourself.
Sharpen your self-awareness. If you want to know how to find a job you love, find out what you love first. Know what you’re good at, and discover where your interests lay. Review your past accomplishments. Take personality and aptitude tests. Submit your resume to a job agency; they have the systems and tools to find the most suitable matches for you.
Expand your circle. Use online channels such as LinkedIn and online career forums to meet new people and know about industries you might be interested in. Join professional organizations such as industry associations, common interest clubs or cause-oriented groups that can be a venue for you to find new contacts and commit to worthwhile activities at the same time.
Collect valuable experiences. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional gearing for a second career, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and be involved in the career development endeavors that can point you in the right direction. You can do volunteer work or apply for an internship. Look for opportunities that will allow you to sharpen your skills and gain real-world experiences.
Work on your personal brand. Now that you’ve built self-awareness, widened your network and invested in relevant experiences, you now have the information and insight to know how to really position yourself in the market. It’s time to revise your resume, rewrite your cover letter and upgrade your online profiles and portfolio. Make your brand shine, put in your hard work and come closer to finally getting a job that you will love.