FIND THE JOB YOU DESERVE

 

Know what you want

Today’s lifestyle has never been so fast paced – and the opportunities available to help with this are more apparent then ever.  However, it can still seem a little daunting to search for a job to suit your lifestyle, to find the perfect childcare and still find time for yourself.  But with flexible working conditions on offer, job shares becoming more acceptable and more women then ever working for themselves – now is the perfect time to stand up for what you really want.

 

Face your fears

Whether you are working part-time to downsize your income and juggle family life, or you are supporting your time with some education studies – the new prospect can seem very daunting.  The changes may affect your emotions and personality – leaving you feeling rather nervous and perhaps lacking in confidence.

 

Coping with Change

Change can be daunting and full of unknowns.  By embracing change, and being aware of how you can control elements involved, can help boost your confidence and work towards this new chapter in your life.   By taking control you can work towards a positive attitude to help cope with the new challenge ahead.  

 

The key is to stay in control of your destiny. To do this, you need to be proactive, plan, know what’s ahead of you and put actions in place to address things along the way.  It’s also important to address your emotions and to ask for support when you need it.  Joanna’s top tips for staying proactive and in control:

 

• Values - Assess what’s important to you right now (e.g. sense of purpose, fulfilment, personal growth, relationship with children).
• Goals – decide where you want to be in future (in line with your values) and write it down.
• Assess your current situation (what’s your starting point?).
• Identify gaps between current and future (e.g. need further qualifications, addressing limiting beliefs, sorting out new childcare options, changing your job with flexible hours, opportunity to take voluntary redundancy etc)
• Plan – Have a plan in place with actions & realistic timelines to get you from current to future position.
• Emotions – Address your emotions & talk with family, friends etc about how you feel throughout the process (e.g. if you feel scared or worried about a situation – ask yourself – “what is it about the situation that makes me feel this way?” I am in control of this or is someone else? What could I do to make address this?
• Ask for help / support when you need it (e.g. learn to ask for help and delegate before things get too much and to ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed).
• Monitor your progress.
• Be proactive – things don’t always go to plan, so learn to anticipate and make changes to your plan and actions along the way.
• Celebrate your success!

 

 

Address the Change

By writing down your goals or your fears, you will be able to embrace the change with more confidence.  You will be able to determine what factors you need to help cope with the change – be it extra child care, more money to help with transport costs, or time to help you fit in your studies.  By brainstorming your resources you can define who or what can help you – or what you need to do to get closer to your goal. 

 

Rediscover your Personality

It may be a long time since you were working - perhaps you are returning to work after raising your children.  Or perhaps you have semi-retired and are suddenly feeling a little lost with the new hours you are working.  This can inhibit your confidence, but with a few tweaks you can soon bounce back.

 

Make a change for yourself to mark the “new you” e.g. new hairstyle, outfit (e.g. if you’re a mum returning to work after having a baby, you might have been used to wearing more comfortable / casual clothes when looking after your baby and rushing around etc. – so perhaps a new outfit for the office to give you a business image), so you can make a transformation from mum to professional.

 

By embracing change and being aware of your challenge – you can face them with confidence.  Leaving you with time and energy for the parts of your life you really want to face!

 

This article was submitted by Horizons Regained.

Horizons Regained offers change and life consultancy particularly aimed at women.  It is run by Joanna Puczkowski, a qualified life coach, change consultant and management accountant, with 19 years business experience. 

To find out more visit www.horizonsregained.com