Vowing for Growth in the in the New Work World
June is popular in Western culture as the favorite time for weddings. The tradition of the June bride actually began in ancient Roman times. The month is named for the Roman goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter, who was associated with feminine vitality, fertility, love and marriage.
A job is a lot like a marriage. In some ways it’s better, as you receive a paycheck, but in other ways it’s worse, as there are, especially as of late, constant changes. Overall, both involve a selection process for which we vow to make the experience positive and fulfilling.
Let us reflect on a couple making vows to each other on their wedding day. They express how they intend to relate, to navigate the path of life together, and what meaning they intend to give to their marriage. These vows are a promise to work hard at living out this intent, no matter how challenging. The vows establish a commitment.
What if we made our own vows for a “marriage” to our career self in the New Work World? They might be: “To hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish, to grow with, and live our days going forward in our career as our very best self.” What would that look like? How would making those vows to self allow us to experience more joy in a new relationship with our career that would be challenging yet satisfying? Let’s take a look at these “Career Vows” using the Faremouth Method®.
1. Do a Self-Inventory
Inscribed in the altar at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi are the words “Know Thy Self.” All the dating gurus will tell you that to be able to find the right marriage partner, you have to know yourself and value yourself. The same is true in a career. If you are not secure with your gifts and talents and can’t articulate that in an interview, your chances of landing the job are considerably diminished. What if we vowed to throw out all the negativity and the “I can’t” words and started reprogramming our minds with “I can” and “I will”? What if we did a mental reset embracing positive determination and a strong desire to find that right job? Would these new positive career vows produce a better “match?” Yes!
2. Cast a Wider Digital and In-Person Net
A dating site can produce a match by asking the correct questions and screening carefully. In addition, plenty of couples have been matched up through mutual friends. What if, in addition to your online job search, you reached out to networking associates who could enhance your chances of getting interviews and assist you in finding new employment opportunities? Add to these resources career advisors who specialize in securing jobs in your particular field. Vow to yourself to expand your reach of contacts, thus widening the scope of possible employment opportunities.
3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
I remember watching the “Dr. Phil” show many years ago. He was explaining to a guest who complained about not being able to meet dating prospects that, unfortunately, “Mr. Right is not going to come knocking on your door.” Putting yourself in more social situations can help in the career arena as well. If the industry you have worked in for many years is not hiring at this time, how can you transfer your skills into another one? You must make a vow to yourself that you will take more career chances and venture out more into new territory.
4. Take the Time to Do It Right
My Detroit roots remind me of the famous Motown song by the Supremes, “You Can’t Hurry Love” when I think of this step in my method. Just like finding the right marriage prospect, we might have to kiss a lot of frogs before we find a prince. We might have to submit many online résumés and go on several interviews in this New Work World before we secure our dream job. Make a vow to not get discouraged.
5. Be a Hunter
It’s a real “treasure hunt” to meet Mr. or Ms. Right in the dating scene, but it’s well worth the effort. Vow that even if we don’t land the “prize buck” on our first hunting expedition, we will value the acquaintances we made along the way. You never know: That HR person who didn’t hire you for the particular job you interviewed for might remember you for a new job opening later on. Or perhaps that HR person moves to a new company where your industry and skill set is a better fit…and remembers you because you impressed that person with your graciousness (remember that thank-you note!), positive energy, and friendliness.
This June, be determined to take your career to have and to hold, from this day forward, to a new and exciting level because of your positive and determined mindset. Remember Juno, the Roman Goddess and wife of Jupiter, when you are seeking a career “match” in the months ahead and vow to make your career search one of endless possibilities!
