Summer Lovin’ (Your Job)

Spring weather in New York City has vacillated from rainy and chilly one day to lovely the next. Typically though, the end of June brings the undeniable warm winds of summer. Kids have finished school, BBQs are a weekly occurrence, and people’s priorities shift from clocking hours in the office to maximizing time in the sun.

I am a firm believer that people loving their job should be the norm, rather than the exception. Unfortunately, Gallup suggests over two-thirds of American’s are experiencing disengagement at work. But imagine a summer where you loved your job. Consider what that job would be, and what the position would enable you to do in other facets of your life.

If your current position has you feeling disengaged, it’s time to look for something new that you can love instead. When considering the factors to look for in a new job, I recommend completing the following exercise.

Make a list of all the jobs you’ve ever had; go all the way back to cutting grass and babysitting. List everything you’ve ever received compensation for in one column. Then, list the pros and cons of each role. Once you have a complete list, review the columns. What attributes consistently appear among your favorite positions? Did they afford responsibility and opportunity for growth, or were they less stressful and fun? Ensure you are screening to maximize the positive elements and reduce the negative elements of any future position.

When you’re in the interview phase, ask about the organizational culture and work-life balance. Candidates, especially executives, often ask too few of these questions and can miss the opportunity to confirm whether the organization is the best fit for THEM. Remember, you need to be interviewing a future employer just as much as they are interviewing you. When you’re ready for the interview, ensure you have robust responses to the three most common interview questions which you can find HERE along with response strategies.