It is easy to
assume we will be rewarded for working hard, but unfortunately the nature of
organizational life is such that getting noticed demands a sensitivity to, and
willingness to play, organizational games. Being seen to excel at the ‘right
thing’ is often valued more than doing most things well. To succeed up the
organizational ladder requires clarity about goals and strategies, and
creating supportive networks and mentors.
Before you take
this route (which means adopting the workaholic/male model of success) take
some time to look at what you really want, where you would ideally like to go
in your life, and what would give you satisfaction. Maybe it’s getting out of
the ‘rat race’, rather than learning to be a better rat! Begin to reduce your
stress and really look after yourself. You may be surprised and delighted by
the results.
Life and career
planning is about giving yourself the time to reflect upon your life so far,
and starting to imagine the type of life and career you want. For example,
some of the choices could include:
* Whether
to progress whole-heartedly with your career, or have a child.
* Whether to
make sacrifices and follow your partner in her/his career.
* Whether
finally to leave an unsatisfactory job or relationship.
* Whether to
confront higher management about discriminatory practices.
* Whether to
take a trip of a lifetime now, or put it off yet again.
* Whether to
stop work, and return to full-time education.
* Whether to
work full-time, part-time, or job-share.
* How long
to take off after childbirth.
* How to
manage a career break.
* What
qualifications to go for to secure a better paid future.
* How much
pension to go for to secure a comfortable retirement.
* How to
combine work with family obligations and responsibilities.
Such decisions
are difficult, but have a go at confronting the process head-on by working
your way through the following exercise, to allow you to explore who you are
and then to identify what you want out of your life, and it is a good idea to
work through them at regular intervals. Ideally try to complete these
exercises about once every twelve months as it enables you to reassess what
you are doing and how it matches your plans for the future.
PLANNING EXERCISE
- Present life
Here are some
questions to help you start thinking about your present life. It will help you
explore some of the major experiences and changes you are going through at the
moment Find a quiet place and take about ten to fifteen minutes answering
them. Be as honest and thorough as you can — it’s your life we are talking
about!
Describe, very
briefly, your personal and work life today.
