written by: Kathy Bornheimer

As more "baby boomers" approach middle age many reflect on their jobs/careers. At this stage of life there are more work years behind them instead of ahead of them. It's important to take a look at your job or career: Am I where I planned to be? Am I where I want to be? Do I enjoy what I do? Do I like who I work for? People spend 45-50 hours per week in their world of work. Are you enjoying this time or complaining to friends and family about your job or your boss? Are you counting the years or months until you retire? Life is too short not to have satisfaction at your job.

Whether you're a job seeker of currently employed job satisfaction is critical. It affects your performance on the job, during job search, and definitely your quality life at home. Do you "kick the dog" because you're mad at your boss?

If you're not happy in your job or weren't in your past job now's the time to make some changes. Assess your current/past situation; if you aren't /weren't satisfied why? It's easier to have a good job if you're with a good company; so evaluate the employer as well. Can you change negative areas internally? It's more plausible to make changes in yourself than in others. Switching employers isn't always the answer and you may only be replacing one set of problems for another.

Do some self-assessment

• Technical skills- current and wanted in today's market
• Leadership skills - both formal and informal
• Personal skills - communication, work style, and attitude
• Where are your strongest capabilities and how does your track record reflect these capabilities
• Determine your professional / personal criteria for job satisfaction- "I'm at my best when... " " I enjoy my work best if... "

Knowing the answers to these areas enable you to form your strategy, then develop and implement a plan for change if needed.

First address changes within your current employment

• Control your attitude. Be careful who you "vent" to or where. Most work environments are in open areas so privacy is limited. Plus never pour your heart out to the "corporate mouth." This will back to haunt you.
• De-personalize what's happening to you. It's not that they're doing it to you; they're just doing it.
• Lengthen your reaction time in certain situations. You may be acting in impulse or habit and decreasing your effectiveness.
• Take ownership of your changes. Hold yourself accountable and do it for you, not just to please others
• Choose your battles carefully. Opt for win-win situations. Find support in co-workers/ supervisors. There is success in numbers. If you're always alone you may not be heard.
• Be tolerant of others mistakes. Get all of the facts before rushing to judgement.
• Practice good stress management techniques. Don't let stress affect your performance or your home life.
• Don't let your strengths become your weaknesses. If you are very good at what you do others may have become dependent on that skill. This can cause resistance if you want to make a change or advancement.
• Invent the future instead of trying to redesign the past. It's too late for " should have..., would have..., or could have..." Start fresh, don't dwell on past problems.