The employment arena has changed dramatically in the past two decades with levels of stress and depression reaching an all time high. In America, 69% of employees reported work as a significant source of stress, with 41% saying they typically felt tense or stressed during the workday (American Psychological Society, 2009).
According to the Global Organization for Stress, the statistics in Australia and Britain are no better, with stress-related illness costing the Australian economy $14.2 billion a year in absenteeism and presenteeism, and around 400,000 people in the UK reporting work-related stress at a level they believed was making them ill.
We are working in an environment that is characterised by constant change, competing demands, competition, pressure, long hours and reduced resources. Is it any wonder that many are looking to escape the 9-5? Unfortunately, changing careers is a process that can be fraught with ambivalence, fear and anxiety. It is not uncommon or irrational to question why you are leaving your secure, well paying 9-5 job. In fact, some scepticism can be healthy and useful!
In order to make the best possible career decision you will need to dedicate time and effort towards reflection and research. This will be an ongoing process of gathering information, testing your assumptions, learning new skills and developing insights into your values and goals.
This chapter will introduce you to the concept of career management from a self-reflection perspective. It will help you understand your current views about work, what is most important to you, your transferable skills and will help you clarify what you really want from your working life.
Job, career or calling?
Dr Amy Wrzesniewski, a professor of Business at New York University, completed a detailed study into attitudes and general orientations towards work. Dr Wrzesniewski found that the way in which we view work could be categorised into one of three ways, a job, a career or a calling.
Individuals who view work as a job ‘work to live’; their job is a necessity rather than a positive or fulfilling part of life. The main driver behind work is to receive pay and benefits to support the things that are important, such as hobbies, family or life outside of work. People with this orientation prefer work not interfere with their personal life and will be reluctant to take work home with them.
Individuals who view work as a career ‘work to succeed’; their career is about advancement and prestige. The main driver behind this orientation is to move upward, to receive recognition, new position titles and pay-rises. People with this orientation prefer to work in companies that provide a clear career progression and can become de-motivated when promotion opportunities slow down or stop.
Individuals who view work as a calling ‘live to work’; their calling is deeply connected to enjoyment and socially useful work. The main driver behind this orientation is self-expression and personal fulfilment. People with this orientation often describe their work as an integral part of their life and personal identity.
While there is no right or wrong orientation toward work, research indicates that individuals who have a calling orientation report higher satisfaction with their lives and work, as well as better health. Interestingly, Dr Wrzesniewski found that most workplaces are evenly divided, with one third of employees falling into each of the three categories.
The reason why the same work can be a calling for one person and a job for another remains unknown; however, we can surmise that it may be related to goals, values, motivation and mindset.
This is a sample taken from a chapter in the book How To Escape Your 9-5 And Do Something Amazing.
At last! A guide to stepping off the corporate hamster-wheel and living a fuller, more rewarding life. Written by people that have successfully made a break for freedom, How To Escape Your 9-5 And Do Something Amazing is your freedom manifesto.
With thought-provoking, insightful features written by people from all over the world, this book will change your life. If you have ever wondered how you can shake off the shackles of your 9-5 but still make a living, then this is the most important book you will ever read.
