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I know that's not exactly what Alan Jackson said but ... a lot of that song is about workin' and how it's a bit rubbish. How many of us resonate with the line: "My boss says, no dice son, you gotta work late"? Yes I do!
But you don't need to worry, because what Alan Jackson didn't know is that there is actually a cure for the Sunday Night Blues. And, as you know, I'm on a mission to distribute this elixir of career fulfilment.
The point of an elixir is that it's a cure-all so it's the perfect metaphor for easing career misery because there are a myriad of reasons that you might not be happy in your career - it's entirely personal to you and where you are in your life and career. So, the key to curing the Sunday Night Blues is to first diagnose it.
I can think of many points in my career that gave me sleepless nights. But, looking back, some of the issues were akin to a sniffly nose that just needed me to ride it out, some of the issues involved a fever that needed some specific medication and some issues were much more long-term, sustained and debilitating.
There was the time, in my first job, that I felt completely out of my depth. I had been quickly promoted and encouraged to do things way outside my comfort zone. Imposter syndrome was rife BUT I had a lovely line manager who believed in me and always had my back. Over time, I got more comfortable with what I was delivering and thrived in the role. This was a "sniffles" level issue.
Then, there was the role where I was performing brilliantly but not getting the reward and recognition that I (felt I) deserved. This was more a 'flu scenario where we needed some specific treatment to put things right. I proposed what I thought was a good remedy (involving leveraging my remuneration more towards performance). This was refused and, as a result, I went and set up my own business - in competition!
And, of course, there was the role that had virus-y disaster written all over it! I was demotivated, not performing, in the wrong role, hated the organisation... in short, a long term virus had taken hold. And I remember how the misery I felt about my job pervaded my whole life. My relationships were impacted as was my motivation to do anything resembling a positive and healthy lifestyle.
Searching in the dark for a cure, on a couple of these occasions I jumped from the frying pan into the fire (or from one virus to another to keep with the analogy!). The thing is that I'm not great at being ill so I'll try any cure that I think might work.
But, wouldn't it be great if you could diagnose your career maladies so that you can find the right cure? This would save you from trying to treat a sniffly cold with an extreme measure (like changing career) when all you might need is a little mild medication (like recrafting your role).
Last year I did some research based upon what I learn from my clients about their careers and via a survey with a wider audience. This enabled me to distil 10 areas that most affect your career health. Knowing which one of these areas is below par for you at any given time, helps you to diagnose your symptoms and start to improve your career health.
Think of it like a health check for your career.
I have now created a tool (the Career Health Check Wheel) which I use with clients to help to pinpoint what is wrong and what small changes they can make straightaway to start feeling better.
I have also created a free version of the Career Health Check Wheel, alongside some coaching questions to help you self-diagnose your malady and start to think of what needs to be added to your personal elixir to cure your Sunday Night Blues.
As a loyal reader of my articles, you can get your hands on this tool. Please download and let me know how you get on with this tool. Feedback is very welcome!
Career Health Check Wheel.pdf
'Cause there IS a cure for the Sunday Night Blues!
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