The One Question You Need to Ask Yourself

I have a secret that I’ve never shared before.

Years ago, I was at the height of my career (so I thought).  I was heading up the HR function for a fast-growing overnight delivery business, where I was able to make a massive difference in a short period of time. On the outside, everything looked awesome — great job, surrounded by terrific co-workers. On the personal side of things, I had a solid group of friends and was a proud homeowner.

Inside, I was miserable. I no longer was having fun at work, even though I was supposed to be. I seriously considered throwing in the towel and finding myself a new career. Of course, I had no idea what a new job might look like, so I hung on as long as I could.

Eventually, I engaged an executive coach who worked with me to identify what gave me joy in my life and what sucked the energy out of me. My coach helped me garner the courage to make a bold move. I quit my job and started my consulting practice.

That was twenty-two years ago. I’d be lying if I said every day of this journey has been fun. It hasn’t. However, I’ve had considerably more fun days than miserable moments, so I think I’m doing pretty darn well on the happiness scale.

What about you?

Are you happy at work?

I mean, are you having fun?

Or are you marking time with the hope that a headhunter will swoop you up and take you out of your misery?

I’m here to tell you that hope is not a strategy.

• Find a mentor who can help you sort through the fact and fiction you keep telling yourself at work.
• Seek guidance from a colleague at one of the professional organizations.
• Or do what I did. Engage a coach to help you gain the clarity you need, to get yourself out of the fog.

Here’s to finding a clear path to a joyful next chapter!