According to statistics, 30 % of workers will change jobs every year. 70% of workers are seeking to change their careers. The majority of workers report the desire to increase their salary, benefits, and work-life balance as factors that contribute to changing jobs. It has been estimated that nearly half of workers report being paid inadequately. Nearly 75% of workers feel hindered by oppressive employment practices which includes micromanagement.
What seems to be driving career change? As many as 20% of workers report that they are not using their degree in their current job. Only 14% of workers feel as if they are working at their dream job. Why are so many college graduates not using their education in current work settings? Why are a majority of workers reporting that they are not working at their dream job? Why is it important for workers to experience a sense of purpose at work?
My employment journey has included working to pay the bills and working for my passion. As a first-generation college graduate, working to pay the bills often took precedence over working for my passion. I was fortunate enough to obtain employment after graduating in pediatric settings after completing my bachelors and masters; however, both positions did not provide adequate pay for survival. Working in social services is a calling many accept without receiving a large compensation. But is it sustainable long-term? For me it wasn’t, and I slowly transitioned from social service/community health settings to working for nonprofit hospital systems. The compensation was enough to save for personal goals and improve my financial standing, but retirement options were not the greatest. So, I pivoted to government work. With the added benefits of such employment, I was able to shift to working for my passion, which included pivoting my career to return to school.
Working for your passion may be more challenging if you have more roles to juggle, such as parenting duties, or caring for elderly or disabled relatives. Depending on where you are in your career journey working for your passion may not be feasible. A new graduate without experience may not be able to pursue passion-based jobs and may focus on opportunities that allow for being able to repay student loans. Depending on the profession, licensure and certification may require delays in being able to seek passion-based jobs. For others, opportunities may not be present to work your dream job, due to glass ceilings, or inability to relocate for work. Others may not have the courage to take the leap of faith to pursue their passions. Others may not have the support to pursue goals due to negative feedback from peers, relatives, and others I like to call “dream killers.” “Dream killers” are individuals who have nothing positive to share about your goals or plans and can provide a list of reasons you should not pursue your goals. I encourage you to take the chance to work for your dream when the timing is right. You deserve the opportunity to experience happiness in work and to be one of the small percentage of Americans working for their passions.
Wishing you health and happiness
My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 