It's ok to be happy in your work.
With all of the talk about the Great Resignation/Reshuffle/Reorganization over the last year, many people are evaluating their work and whether or not it lines up with their life goals - and you should be! I encourage you to consistently and proactively ask yourself if your work calls upon the very best of you and to ask yourself if you would choose this work again today. Would you?
(Quick Tip: I recommend doing this around your annual review or hire date at a minimum! Remember, you should review your company and leader's performance for you too!)
In a conversation with one of my clients recently, she mentioned that she wasn't sure if it was ok to be happy in her role. Her organization is going through some tremendous change and the people she's close with are experiencing some struggles, many of them leaving. But for her, the work was still in her areas of strength and she had a new leader she really liked. She had a bit of "survivor's guilt" for actually liking her work.
She's not the only one I've talked with recently who feels unsure of staying put and being happy. Listen, if you are consciously choosing to be in the role (not settling because it's too hard to find something else), stay! You've got what a lot of people are looking for! It's ok to be happy in your work!
"It's ok to NOT be happy in your work too... but not for too long."
I know. You're worn out. It's a lot of work to find something new. You aren't sure where to start - and are maybe a little afraid that all the "good" jobs are already gone. Do you need a kick in the pants? Or, do you want to help the people around you find their way?
Earlier this summer, Marcus Buckingham released his new book, Love + Work. I openly admit that I am a #fangirl and was on the pre-order list and pre-registered for his teaching series that went along with it. I loved it (and no, not just because I have a teeny crush on him...) and thought it was a practical and useful read - and I'd like you to know about it!
I'm a part of the first cohort who is "paying it forward" by sharing a FREE Love + Work Learning Circle. This Learning Circle will coincide with the next cohort from Harvard Business Review and Marcus (I say that like I know him - ha!). You can find out all about their program here (it's also free, you just have to buy the book).
I'm planning to support this work by hosting 3, 60-minute Learning Circles on July 29, August 12, and August 26 at 11:00 AM EST. This is meant to be an easy, low-key opportunity to gather with others on a similar journey and simply chat about what's coming up. I'll facilitate, we will do some breakout sessions, and have a bit of fun. Join me?