The times, they are a’changing, as Bob Dylan once said. From big tech’s “war for talent” during the early pandemic, to its most recent rounds of mass layoffs, the job market has been in flux.
From mass layoffs and looming recession fears to the emergence of new technology impacting job security - it all creates a pretty gnarly stress cocktail.
One of the big issues I’m hearing is that many people feel trapped. They feel disconnected, running round in circles trying to find their life’s calling (while still trying to pay the bills and keep food on the table). It’s tough out there.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the transformative power of reframing and how it can shift your perspective from merely having a job to embracing a career or even discovering a true calling - even in tough times like this.
Understanding Reframing:
In psychology, reframing is a cognitive process that involves changing the way we perceive and interpret our experiences, situations, or roles. It helps adjust your mindset, focusing on positive thoughts and resetting expectations.
The power of perception:
When it comes to our work and career, reframing focuses on two different aspects;
- Defining the expectations of our current role.
- Expressing gratitude for the job/role/career we currently have.
How we frame our work influences our attitude, motivation, and overall satisfaction.
Note: This isn’t about blowing smoke. Some jobs, companies or bosses absolutely suck. It’s ok to acknowledge that. However, reframing our role will give space for us to plan next steps and embrace creativity vs. feeling helpless to the world around us.
Job, Career or Calling:
Time for real talk. Not all jobs are forever, not all careers are for life and our calling doesn’t always make us money.
The first step in reframing is being aware of what a job means for you. There are three definitions to think about:
Job:
A job can be defined as an activity performed primarily for the immediate financial compensation it provides.
Career:
A career encompasses a strategic long-term path aimed at progressing and increasing one's income over time.
Calling:
A calling distinguishes itself from both a job and a career. It refers to engaging in an activity for its intrinsic worth and the fulfilment it brings by aligning with one's higher social, moral, or personal purpose.
Knowing Where You Stand
Sometimes a job is just a job. It pays the bills, and that’s ok.
When I worked in a local cafe making coffees and selling ice-cream after I graduated from college. I loved the people I worked with (and the ice-cream and coffee was definitely a perk) but I knew it was a means to an end.
I am working with a client who just welcomed a new baby into her family. She and her partner have mouths to feed, a mortgage to pay and parents that are getting older. Is leaving her well paying job next week to become a DJ a viable option? Probably not.
Everyone wants a job and career that they love and are passionate about. Some people fall into that right away. For others (myself included), it’s a longer journey with many twists and turns along the way.
Practical Strategies for Reframing:
So we have a better understanding of reframing and the difference between a job, career or calling. What now?
What do you value?
In order to place your current role on the job, career or calling axis you need to understand what you value first. What are your non-negotiables?
You likely already have a gut feeling about where your role sits but understanding your values will help to solidify your decision.
Seek new perspectives:
Engage in conversations with mentors, colleagues, or experts in your field to gain fresh insights and alternative viewpoints on your role. How do they view their work? What do they love or hate about it?
Remember, just because someone else loves (or hates) the role, doesn’t mean you should. Gathering diverse thoughts and perspectives will make sure you can see the wood from the trees and help as you look long term.
Practice gratitude and reflection:
Regularly reflect on the positive aspects of your work, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that contribute to your growth.
- Develop a growth mindset: Embrace a mindset that values learning, resilience, and adaptability, seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Discovering Your Calling:
If you are stuck in a “job” (vs. a career or calling), I’ve got news for you. Your work is just getting started.
By now, you know:
- Your job isn’t your life’s work. Great.
- It pays the bills. Perfect.
- You’re not going to waste any extra time or energy stressing or worrying about it? Fantastic.
That frees you up to do the most important piece of reframing - discovering your calling.
It’s not easy. It’s going to take time. It’s going to be worth it.
Explore your passions and strengths:
Reflect on what truly energises and inspires you, identifying activities or areas where you feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Think of what you enjoy most - in your personal and professional life. What are you great at? What do you care deeply about? Ask friends, family and coworkers what they think you are great at.
Align with your values and mission:
Discovering your calling involves finding work that aligns with your core values, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Remember those non-negotiables? What do you value as a person? What do you value at work?
Cultivate a sense of meaning and impact:
Embrace the idea that your work serves a greater purpose beyond mere tasks, and find ways to connect your daily activities to that larger purpose.
What purpose can you stand behind? What causes do you believe in?
Conclusion:
Reframing your role has the potential to transform your professional life. By shifting your perspective, aligning with your values, and embracing growth, you can infuse meaning, purpose, and fulfilment into your daily work - whether it is from your day job, building a career or discovering your life’s work.