path may be financially rewarding, but it doesn’t meet their emotional, social or creative needs.
They’re stuck, unhappy, and have no idea what to do about it, except move to another job.
Mary Lyn Miller, veteran career consultant and founder of the Life and Career Clinic, says that
when most people are unhappy about their work, their first thought is to get a different job. Instead,
Miller suggests looking at the possibility of a different life. Through her book, 8 Myths of Making a
Living, as well as workshops, seminars and personal coaching and consulting, she has helped
thousands of dissatisfied workers reassess life and work.
Like the way of Zen, which includes understanding of oneself as one really is, Miller
encourages job seekers and those dissatisfied with work or life to examine their beliefs about work
and recognize that “in many cases your beliefs are what brought you to where you are today.” You
may have been raised to think that women were best at nurturing and caring and, therefore, should
be teachers and nurses. So that’s what you did. Or, perhaps you were brought up to believe that you
should do what your father did, so you have taken over the family business, or become a dentist
“just like dad.” If this sounds familiar, it’s probably time to look at the new possibilities for your
future.
Miller developed a 7-step process to help potential job seekers assess their current situation
and beliefs, identify their real passion, and start on a journey that allows them to pursue their
passion through work.
Step 1: Willingness to do something different.
Breaking the cycle of doing what you have always done is one of the most difficult tasks for
job seekers. Many find it difficult to steer away from a career path or make a change, even if it
doesn’t feel right. Miller urges job seekers to open their minds to other possibilities beyond what
they are currently doing.
Step 2: Commitment to being who you are, not who or what someone wants you to be.
Look at the gifts and talents you have and make a commitment to pursue those things that you
love most. If you love the social aspects of your job, but are stuck inside an office or “chained to
your desk” most of the time, vow to follow your instinct and investigate alternative careers and
work that allow you more time to interact with others. Dawn worked as a manager for a large retail
clothing store for several years. Though she had advanced within the company, she felt frustrated
and longed to be involved with nature and the outdoors. She decided to go to school nights and
weekends to pursue her true passion by earning her master’s degree in forestry. She now works in
the biotech forestry division of a major paper company.
Step 3: Self-definition.
Miller suggests that once job seekers know who they are, they need to know how to sell
themselves. “In the job market, you are a product. And just like a product, you must know the
features and benefits that you have to offer a potential client, or employer.” Examine the skills and
knowledge that you have and identify how they can apply to your desired occupation. Your qualities
will exhibit to employers why they should hire you over other candidates.
Step 4: Attain a level of self-honoring.
Self-honoring or self-love may seem like an odd step for job hunters, but being able to accept