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Summer Check in--How Is Your Summer Coming Along?
Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT, RScP
Career Transition & Job Search Coach
I bet you have heard the expression, "dog days of summer," haven't you? When I got ready to write this message, I looked up where it came from. Even though I have heard the expression most of my life, I didn't remember its origin.
This period also just so happens to coincide with the hottest part of summer in parts of the world. The Greeks and Romans used the term centuries ago to refer to the heat during that 40-day period between July 3rd and August 11th.
The term is used to refer to the heat during this period and the resulting "inactivity, lethargy, and even indolence."
In the days before indoor air conditioning, there were few places one could go for relief from the heat during this period. If you were lucky, you might make it to the beach or a pool or lake, I guess.
The heat and humidity that occur this time of year can suck the energy right out of you for sure. It's more important than ever to stay hydrated during this time of year. We sweat more than usual even if we aren't engaged in physical activity. The last few days have reminded me that sometimes it's "not the heat but the humidity" that gets you down.
For teachers, this time of year also marks the mid-point of summer vacation.
Whatever happened the year before has become distant memories. If it was a good year, they are fond memories. If it was a tough year, they are memories better forgotten.
This is also the time of year when start to see the back-to-school supplies hitting the shelves. For some teachers, that is cause for excitement and celebration. For others, it is cause for dread.
Are you a teacher who isn't looking forward to next year?
Do you see the upcoming year as a new opportunity? Or do you feel a churning in the pit of your stomach instead? If you aren't excited but feel a little sick at the thought, take note.
Feeling a sense of dread or lack of excitement could be a sign that you are struggling with teacher burnout.
And of course, you don't have to be a teacher to feel dread around going to work.
Americans are increasingly disengaged in their work. This is according to a study released on March 31, 2017, by CBS News.
"Of the country’s approximately 100 million full-time employees, 51 percent aren’t engaged at work -- meaning they feel no real connection to their jobs, and thus they tend to do the bare minimum.
Another 16 percent are 'actively disengaged' -- they resent their jobs, tend to gripe to co-workers and drag down office morale as a result. These proverbial Debbie Downers are disgruntled about the direction of their companies, feel their needs aren’t being met at work and don’t fully understand what’s expected of them."
Can you relate? If so, what are you doing about it?
Do you want to make a change in the type of work you do? Or do you feel that it is time to create a whole new career path for yourself? Either way, you owe it to yourself to at least explore your options, don't you?
You have heard me say this before, and I will say it a million times more because it to be true. Life is too short to spend a single day of it doing something you don't want to do or don't enjoy.
If you are happy with your work and love what you do, congratulations, and good for you! You are one of a lucky minority.
But what if you are part of the 67%?
Why don't you schedule a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session so we can talk about your options? I would love to hear about your situation. Perhaps I can help you consider if it is time to take some steps toward changing your circumstances as they relate to work or your stress.
I would love to chat with you.
Until next time.
Wait.
Given all this talk of jobs, careers, and what would make you happy, have you considered what your dream job would even be?
Most people haven't because they don't think it is possible for them.
But what if they are wrong?
Check out the new questionnaire I came up with that is designed to help you get in touch with what you would love to do (assuming you don't already love what you are doing now, of course).
It's free! Take some time to think about the questions. They may help you gain some clarity.
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