Your Future and The Job

You can predict at least some of what is ahead when it comes to your job.  There are some indicators that alert you to whether you will be able to go the distance with a company.  But if you are not watching for signs, then you just might be blind-sided with a major layoff, a favorite manager or co-worker leaving, a major change in protocol and more.

Consider the following questions when thinking about your future and making plans for yourself and family:

1.  Do you really like your job?  List how many things you like about it and compare them to the things you hate about it.  If there are more things you dislike than like, then this is a good predictor of your future with the company.

2.  Is there room for improvement and are you making contributions?  If you have no desire to be a part of any changes and can't think of anything much else to do, then you may not be seeing yourself as a team player which could affect whether you or "they" would attempt to protect your job if there should be a lay off.

3.  Do you have little or no respect for management?  You might be able to weather the storm, if you took on a leadership role.  Look for opportunities to teach, supervise or manage a project.  This will help keep you interested in the job and you just might be on your way to a promotion.

4.  Is your personal feelings about people at your job getting in the way of how you relate to a partner, children and other relatives?  If there are major issues arising personally, you may need to strongly consider whether the job is worth potentially losing a partner and/or children.  If you don't have either, could you see yourself managing this job and having a family too while maintaining your sanity?  You might have to put on hold thoughts of marriage and children for right now.

5.  How much are they paying you and is your salary worth it?  Think about whether your financial goals are being met with the money they are paying you.  If you feel you are working way too hard for peanuts, consider looking at what other companies are paying.  A future relocation might be necessary.

6.  Are people aware at work how you truly feel about working for the company?  If your attitude is negative, chances are someone or a group has talked to management about your attitude, work performance and more.  Negative things that are done and said at the work force have a way of coming back to haunt you sooner or later.  Start thinking about a back up plan just in case you are one day suddenly terminated.

7.  How much money do you need to put aside to achieve personal goals you have yet to do?  Whatever your desires, they will cost money and time, so create an effective plan that will put your mind at ease and stick to it.  Otherwise, your personal problems will show on the job. 

Sometimes the issues we experience aren't about jobs, but personal disappointments that we have not allowed for time to address. Let them fester and they will negatively impact your resume i.e.) one year with this company, two years with that one, unemployment gaps, etc., future companies will start to hesitate about hiring you.

Once you have interviewed yourself, you will have some idea what your future looks like and whether or not your job is indeed right for you. Keep in mind, loved ones will be affected by whatever decision you reach, so choose wisely.

Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight on a number of topics, writes books and provides administrative support to individuals and businesses.

Employee, Boss Conflict - Who are You Really?

Do you know whether your boss wants the worker who thinks outside the box, the one who stays within the box, or the one who is like a Jack-in-the-box?

When an employer doesn't really know what he/she is doing in one's position much less know what others are up to around him or her, how can the leader expect much?

You might be great at leading, following or both, but whatever your greatness the truth is you have some weaknesses.  You either enjoy thinking far too much outside the box, staying put within it, or popping up out of no where with something new and different.  This kind of thinking also affects your skills and decisions at times--too rigid, laid back, slow, fast, etc.  You might be any one of these adjectives on most days impacting operations in negative ways at times.  However, any weakness can be worked on and before long one is doing quite well at the workplace. 

Sometimes employers make duties more challenging for workers when they don't have to be.  They list 30 plus position requirements and then one discovers there are 30 more once hired or promoted.  Of course, the employee is going to exemplify the kind of character traits that will get what is done on paper, but will eventually question or make suggestions about those 30 other tasks.  This is where the work relationship might take a shift with some professionals between management and staff.  The boss wanted to see the side of the employee he or she hired and only that one while forgetting that people can be fickle.

Let's take a moment and think about a fictional employee, a great actor or actress for the interview.  Have one in mind?  Dressed to perfection, articulate, has all the credentials, and great references, but then after six months or more shows his or her work ethic, difficult personality, and more while leaving an employer scratching his head.  "Now who is this guy/gal again?" a manager might say.

When a leader has his or her idea of what a worker should be based on what the work description says, rather than who he or she is, things tend to take a different turn.  The boss will want to re-think whether he or she communicated expectations well.  Also, take notice of the system he or she has in place that might not allow too much wiggle room or may not be a good fit for the employee.  You end up with a performer that does what is asked--nothing more, nothing less.  This problem can be solved if one creates a comfortable atmosphere where there is room to improve, grow with change, respect other's ideas/opinions/customs etc. With improvements in place, who knows what strides an individual or team might make.

One of the toughest relationships to have with another is the one where no one wants to put themselves in the other person's shoes.  Whether you are in management or in a supportive role, whatever your expectations, not personal perceptions, of others, they should be well-represented accurately and honestly.  Do this and you will reduce the workplace woes that arise when two people just don't seem to get along due to false expectations and personal beliefs.

Nicholl McGuire is a freelance writer, content marketing manager and a professional who has 20 plus years work experience.  Need virtual assistance, click here.

The Workplace Stress Solution

Stressed, Venting About Money, Doing Too Much - A Spiritual Perspective on Simple Living

Are you ready to free yourself from the stressors of having too many people, places and things you are responsible for?  Well look at some personal issues that might contribute to your stress.  Blog owner Nicholl McGuire, also an author, virtual assistant, wife and mother of four explains from a spiritual perspective, listen here.

When it comes to the Workplace, Do You Feel Loved?

What does one have to do to gain a bit of respect at the workplace?  Well, instead of offering the usual tips like: being polite, saying "please" and "thank you," offering to help others, meeting deadlines, etc.  Let's think of some things you might be doing that make employees think less of you.  Then after pondering those things, maybe the light bulb will come on as to why you or someone you know doesn't feel any love from the leadership and/or co-workers.

1.  Have you checked how you talk to the boss and fellow co-workers?  If you find flippant remarks, eye rolls, deep sighs, and more okay to do and don't see anything off-putting about doing these things, know that most likely someone or others do.  Just because no one hasn't said anything  to you doesn't make what you might be doing right.  Chances are someone is going back telling others just how much he or she doesn't like you and the flying monkeys are co-signing on the negativity.

2.  What about the way you keep your work environment?  Is it disorganized, smelly, messy, crowded, offensive like a poster or relic of a controversial leader, entertainer, etc.?  It isn't any wonder why no one wants to come visit your cubicle or office, you are what you represent.

3.  Personal issues?  As much as we think we can separate the two, sometimes we just can't.  A tear falls from your eye when someone mentions your deceased loved one.  The anger is still lingering on your face after an argument with a partner or divorce.  A worker/best friend can see the frustration in your eyes after disputing yet again with children.  The intense looks, impatience, sudden mood swings, and other negativity that shows up periodically will create an intense environment.  People don't want to hang around emotional people.

4.  How about coming in late, leaving early a bit too often or taking far too many days off?  Management and co-workers hate this.  They aren't going to like you too much when you are "That One" who likes to stick them with work to do and will talk badly about you.

5.  Flirting a bit too much with others while wearing clothing to match?  Is it necessary to spend much time smiling and chatting with every attractive person in the office while cleavage or thighs are showing or muscles protruding out of a too tight polo shirt?  Whether you are married, in a relationship or single, doesn't matter, there is a place for all things and during work hours is definitely the wrong time.  Cover up, wear something lose and think about the image you are portraying to others.

6.  Guilty of stinky food?  If not, just skip this, but if so...Why even bother bringing it to your work station everyday?  The stares and noses turned up during lunch are most likely aimed at you.  Workers anticipate their lunch hour and then when it is ruined by something that smells like death or seven old day, sweaty gym shorts, you got to know you won't be liked.

7.  Talk and laugh loudly?  Workers who value peace and quiet and aren't much interested in showy people especially during their break.  They will shoot you daggers with their eyes that say, "Shut the....up!"  Seriously, is anything at work that d*mn funny?

If you passed all seven points made, then good for you, but you still need to know why you don't feel any love from management or co-workers.  How about you start interviewing some folks if it means that much to you.  "Am I doing anything that annoys you?  If so, could you please let me know or tell me if someone else has issue with me?  Thanks."

Nicholl McGuire is the author of many books, spiritually motivates people, and enjoys thinking about the funny stuff that happened while working with and for some of the craziest folks.  (This one goes out to the temp who enjoyed showing us her new dance moves in the cubicle back in the day, so glad she never knocked anything down--seriously we wanted her to sit her tail down eventually she got the message).