Penny Strutton: With a bit of help we can all be happy employees

By Nottingham Post  |  Posted: September 05, 2014

Harry Hill trained as a doctor before becoming a comedian and TV presenter.

Harry Hill trained as a doctor before becoming a comedian and TV presenter.

Performance and careers coach Penny Strutton from Carlton gives her advice on people seeking to change their job

WITH the majority of our waking hours spent at work it’s a shame so many people feel dissatisfied with their role.

It’s understandable that during the recession people hung tightly to their role, just grateful to be employed. But now the economic tides are changing, those employees who dread their Monday mornings can take proactive steps forward and make use of the growing recruitment market.

Most people, however, don’t know what type of role would suit them, what industry would interest them and what skills they have to transfer.

Years of working in a role that is fulfilling can knock anyone’s confidence and hinder a job search or career change before they even enter the job market.

If you’re one of the millions unhappy in their job, take a look at the following steps to help build your self-awareness, boost your confidence and maximise your success rates when you do decide to make a move.

What excites you? Think back over your career and make a list of activities that you enjoyed, times when you felt challenged and motivated.

What skills do you have? Now look at these activities and think about the skills you have to make them happen again. Remember to break down those activities that fall outside of work as well.

What interests you? If you’re working in an industry you’re interested in, you’re more likely to feel motivated and fulfilled. List subjects you’re interested in, your hobbies, your reading and conversation topics.

Achievements. Listing your achievements both at work and in your personal life will help demonstrate how you’ve made an impact. These can be integrated into your CV but will also remind you of your success.

Research, Research, Research. Once you’ve got an idea of your skills and interests, you can start the research. Look at companies that interest you, think about their size, culture and industry. Then look at how you would fit into that organisation.

Too often people start by looking at the job market before looking at themselves. Having a clear idea of what you have to offer and where you want to move will help ensure your next move aligns with your personality, skills and career objectives. Making a considered but proactive approach to your job search or career change will put your Monday morning in a whole new light.