Author of I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT, BUT I KNOW IT’S NOT THIS. A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO FINDING GRATIFYING WORK. (http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Know-What-Step—Step/dp/0143128515/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8) Penguin Books
1. You first wrote this book in 2003, and revised it for 2016. What hasn’t changed about the workplace (or people) that there is still a need for this book?
· People are still (and always will be) dissatisfied with their jobs or careers.
· The fundamental process of packaging oneself to be marketable and the need to network with others to learn about new jobs and industries, and uncover leads hasn’t changed.
· If someone wants to change their career, they will need to be introspective about who they are and what they want, as well as knowledgeable about what companies and organizations need and want. Generally, people aren’t skilled at doing both or either of these.
2. While many employees may remain dissatisfied these years later in much the same way, the strategies to switch careers have changed. What are some of the more major shifts that you call attention to in this revised edition of I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT, BUT I KNOW IT’S NOT THIS?
· It is tremendously more accepted by society in 2016 than it was in 2003 for people to search for meaningful work, and to change jobs until they discover what they need.
· What has changed are the high level of expectations:
o Expectations that people of all ages have regarding what they want from work whether it be flexibility, a desire to make a difference, recognition, etc. (The ten types of meaning listed in Chapter 5 – Where’s the Meaning?)
o Expectations that companies have when they are hiring employees for jobs – applicants need to stand out from other candidates by going the extra mile and demonstrating their value.
o Expectations that clients and customers have of companies they buy products and services from including immediacy of results, high quality, and innovation.
It might be argued that these expectations have always existed however they are the most elevated they have ever been.
· Social media is front and center as a vehicle for promoting, branding, packaging, and networking – all key elements of changing careers, looking for a job, or starting an entrepreneurial venture.
3. You personally are on your fifth career, as a speaker and coach. How much of this book was drawn from your direct experiences? What inspired you to write it?
Much of it. From a very young age I worked to be independent, earn money, meet different people, and be productive. Because the process of finding jobs, creating work, and changing careers came easily to me, I was often sought out by friends and colleagues to help them to do these things. There was a long period of time when this wasn’t an accepted way of life for people.
And I always enjoyed writing and was introduced to Denise Marcil, a literary agent who was so enthusiastic about a book that helped people do these things that I was inspired to write a readable book that described a practical process.
4. Why is it that most people end up in dissatisfying jobs, and why do they stay?
When people are young, they don’t usually know what types of jobs exist, what they are good at, or what they would enjoy doing for 50-60 hours a week. Once they begin progressing in their career or industry, they start earning more, getting promoted, and are building personal lives which require financing. Even if they know in their gut that it isn’t what makes them happy, they feel stuck.
Or, someone really did enjoy what they have been doing work-wise but begin to plateau, get bored, or feel burned out. It takes curiosity, courage, and perseverance to commit to extricating oneself from a dissatisfying, even miserable job. Sometimes it is simply easier to stay in a dissatisfying job than to do the work or take the risk to make a change.
5. Before even updating their resume, what do you suggest people who would like to move to a different job do?
First, a resume should be updated regularly no matter what someone’s level of satisfaction is in their job so that it is ready to send to someone when needed. However, if someone is thinking about finding a new job or changing careers, they will need to update their resume to highlight achievements and keywords geared to the new functional area or industry. In order to do this, it is crucial to go through the three step process outlined in the book:
1. Learn about yourself
2. Explore roadblocks and opportunities
3. Create a simple action plan
6.There is a lot of pressure these days for people to find passion and meaning. Do you agree with that and how can people find their passion to sustain them in a long-term career?
I believe that most of the pressure for people to find passion and meaning is internally imposed. Also, passion and meaning are two very different things. Passion is a powerful emotion or appetite for something, while meaning is something that is significant to you. I do not think that most people need to feel passionate about their work, just very interested or engaged. I do believe that eventually people need to feel that the work they do is meaningful.
7. In 2016, it feels as though every other week there’s a new start-up, and everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. Do you have any advice for transitioning out of an office and into working independently?
Our country (USA) was founded on entrepreneurism and I believe that this will always be a strength for us. I do not believe that everyone necessarily wants to be an entrepreneur. What I do believe is that working as an employee does not fulfill many of someone’s needs, whereas being on your own can do this. I am a great example. I had no passion for being an entrepreneur however in my late 30s I realized that being an employee of a mid to large size company did not provide me with what I needed, and that as a self-employed person, I could invent my work life to meet my needs.
This said, it is always ideal to pick up a consulting or contract gig while working full-time. Ratchet up your networking activity and put the pieces in place to package your marketing before you quit your full-time job.