Just not the right fit!

IF somebody were to ask you whether you had a fulfilling career, what would your answer be? Would you for instance think as I do, `I really want to stop working with my present organisation. I would like to leave my rather cushy and comfortable, 9-5 job and go in search of something unpredictable. Maybe write a book, or make a film.' Given the uncertain job market, for many this kind of musing may seem insane. But you will know you are a misfit in the career you have chosen for yourself or perhaps one that's been chosen for you.

Surveys indicate that majority think that their work lives lack meaning and direction. People often choose the wrong career because they're listening to the wrong voices. They're more concerned with what they (or others) feel they ought to do, and what they think they want to do. But most forget that the starting place is with understanding who they are. Does their personality really match their career?

Who are you?

Every job has an emotional `fit'. The kind of work you will be most comfortable doing will depend a lot on your temperament, personality and values. Your personality coupled with your aptitudes, is one of the major requirements for a fulfilling career. Even if you are fascinated by the subject matter of your work, if the nature of the job doesn't fit your personality, there will indeed be friction.

Even the hint of being a misfit in your job can mar your work satisfaction and diminish your productivity. Some people are comfortable with an autonomous work life while some are happiest working for others.

For example, you may be the kind of person who thrives in a competitive environment and get your daily fix only if you can get your adrenaline rushing. A passive work atmosphere will clash with your personality wherein you will not be motivated enough to put in your best.

When you enjoy doing something you want to do more of it and do it better too. The positive feedback you get will give you a sense of accomplishment. All this will only help you learn more about the work, understand it better and increase your skills by further training, coaching, etc.

Solely or soulfully

Find out if you are at your productive best when you are working in a group or when you are `doing your own thing'. Are you at your best when you are contributing to the goals of the organisation or are you an `individual worker'. Do you prefer to be valued for your mastery of a particular discipline or subject? Do you like it when people seek you out for your expertise or knowledge?

When you join a company you're expected to fit in. In fact, how well you fit in will become the single most important key to your success— more important than your qualifications and your actual job performance. Because this will reveal how well you have been able to bond.

If you feel you are a misfit in the organisation and haven't done anything to change the situation, you're sure to find yourself left out of the loop on key decisions, passed over for plum assignments, and overlooked for promotions. Be wary of getting trapped in an identity you have no liking for.

A perfect fit

So how can you know that you fit in? Ask yourself some leading questions; you could also take some personality/aptitude tests to `know' your strengths and weaknesses. Make a start by doing somserious thinking.

What are some of the things you have enjoyed in the jobs you've had? Getting respect? Being appreciated? Being dependent?

More importantly what did you dislike? Having to meet deadlines? The pressure of work, the feeling like you're not making a contribution or that your work is not being given its due? Create a profile of your likes and dislikes and what you need. This profile may just about help you find out what your natural vocation is... Imagine the joy when you spring out of bed every morning and know that you are getting paid to do what you love? That you ain't a misfit, no more!

PADMA

padma.hyd@cnkonline.com