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WORKING HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Do you feel reasonably successful in your career but not totally fulfilled? Do you feel like you could be achieving more fulfilling working than you are? Chances are you're feeling stressed, tired and disillusioned with work. Well you're not alone, an increasing percentage of the population also feels just like you do. In a recent survey almost 88% of people said they weren’t totally satisfied with their job.

In today's fast-paced, multi-value and ever changing society it's hard to keep on top of things and most people let their working lives happen rather than planning for there next move. Many people spend days and weeks writing business plans and doing budgets for companies, but virtually no time doing these things for their own life. Careers may be planned, but they begin to take over and many people are now questioning more than ever what really matters in their work and their lives.

Most of them have been doing more or less the same work for quite a few years and are bored or are feeling their work isn't fulfilling them and giving them purpose. It can be a very confusing time - they feel like something is missing from their lives but can't put a finger on it. They would love to do something else with their lives - if only they knew what it was!

Ask yourself these quick questions to diagnose where your current work situation may letting you down:-

1. How many of the skills I most like to use are being used?
2. How challenged are you at work?
3. How meaningful is the work to you personally?

Give yourself a score out of 10 in each of these questions and then look at how you can improve your situation in each of these categories. Can you do it with your current employer or do you need to move elsewhere to achieve happier work?

In future issues we may discuss the importance of identifying your favourite skills, interests, values and personality traits for work to be truly fulfilling.

Ian Hutchinson (G.Dip.Psy, B.Bus, APS), Founder of Life by Design®, has built a reputation as Australia's leading lifestyle strategist. He has studied overseas with some of the world's leaders in lifestyle planning, and his lifestyle strategy work has been profiled throughout the media. His entertaining presentations are in demand throughout the world including Europe and the Middle East. Life by Design® can be contacted by phone on (02) 9979 4949, or visit www.lifebydesign.com.au.

For permission to reproduce this article in whole or in part,
contact Tanya Mottl by phone (+ 612) 9979 4949, fax (+ 612) 9979 4969,
or email info@lifebydesign.com.au

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