Four letters explain it all

INFP

Introverted * INtuitive * Feeling * Perceiving

That's my Myers-Briggs type Indicator and explains my style and preferences even better than I could express. I just received the assessment results after meeting with my career coach and reviewing the Type manuals...talk about eye-opening confirmation!

Want to know what I discovered???

Well, my type is only represented by 4.4% of the national population, I am idealistic, have an introverted feeling with extraverted intuition, loyal to my values and to people important to me. I'm curious, quick to see possibilities and can be a catalyst for implementing ideas. I seek to understand people and help them fulfill their potential. I'm adaptable, flexible, tend to work in bursts of energy and feel frustated when unable to find a place to use my gifts and be appreciated for my contributions. Guess what else???

Drum roll please...my current employment is in TOTAL misalignment with my natural tendencies and preferences. I could feel it, I often thought it, couldn't sleep last night because of it, but now I actually KNOW it to be true! It's partially a relief and I now have a much better understanding of more suitable directions I should focus on. But HOW?

After answering over 400 questions, my highest rated categories of preference/suitability are:

• Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media - with a score of 100%, I think this one is quite clear! I used to love being in acting classes and enjoy all things entertaining.
• Small Business Ownership - I definitely have an entrepreneurial spirit
• Education & Training - I enjoy teaching others, feels so rewarding
• Office Services - I have a knack for organization and details
• Writing - I love to write, prefer it even. Thanks Mrs. Lynch (she was my high school creative writing teacher who pushed me to communicate my best and edited my Salutatorian speech)

I agree with all of the above but how in the world do I turn this into reality? I understand most people do not love their jobs everyday, but imagine a career which didn't feel like work because it comes so naturally to you...that's what I yearn for.

I have submitted to a few positions over the last couple weeks...tax position within the government (stability), consulting for an accounting firm (variety), finance director for an entertainment complex (sounds right up my alley), and office manager for an architectural firm (a spin off my skillset). No responses received yet.

I am pretty much obsessed with reading job descriptions online every evening, looking for job duties which includes my natural characteristics as an INFP. Most roles I happen to come across require a significant paycut but I am getting to the point of being alright with that for peace of mind and job happiness. I know it's out there for me and pray on it constantly.

I am seriously considering jump-starting my small business again, even bigger and better, which would entail providing services to clients, managing my own flexible schedule, teaching clients how to improve operations, writing proposals for business, possibly seeking out assignments in the media/entertainment industry, working on special projects, developing marketing plans to grow my business, creating advertising, networking...all the things I enjoy!

There are 24 days left in my 30-day plan. Quite honestly, I'm close to the point of turning in my notice on Day 30, even without another job offer, and taking a leap of faith over the next month or two to work on developing my business full-time. I could start laying the foundation now and try to line up work to start early April, set my commute radius to 150 miles, or father if need be.

The thought of this is SO exciting and invigorating. I am trying to be a lot less impulsive and impatient and more logical and calculating so I will continue to look and apply for a better career.

I admit it, I'm a bit afraid to branch out on my own considering current economic conditions and the cost of health coverage, but sometimes, you gotta believe and JUST DO IT!

What can happen in 30 days?

I work...HARD
I work long hours, juggle multiple responsibilities, take it upon myself to develop process improvements, effectively manage others and try to create greater efficiencies. I teach what I know, document what I've learned and do my absolute best. However, trying to make the best of my current job situation, knowing whole-heartedly that it is a mismatched fit, has me constantly feeling drained, frustrated and full of self-doubt.

I am officially OVER IT! I think it happened around 5:41pm today at the meeting after a meeting relating to a meeting my manager scheduled with me to meet about tomorrow (ya get that?). The end of the meeting produced a larger to-do list than I already had for the next month. Why can't upper management see when they are burning out their staff? Why are they so quick to delegate without fully understanding (or maybe caring) what that work entails?

I'm done...done with the stress-induced head, back and stomache aches, useless meetings, outlandish workload, unreasonable management expectations and trying to pull together the invisible puzzle pieces. I literally sit at my desk, staring at the computer screen for moments at a time some days wondering "what in the world am I doing here?"

FIVE SIGNS OF JOB BURNOUT
I'm about a 3.5, how about you?
Yes, the pay and benefits are great, I am grateful to have the option of looking (though I do suspect cutbacks may occur soon), know the job market is not favorable and I realize this career search may be difficult, but I CAN and WILL claim a positive change right now. If that means a salary reduction, longer commute, going back to school or coming up with funds to run a small business, I am going to work it out because a change needs to happen..and SOON!

I'm giving myself a 30-day challenge...to network, research, apply, meet, discover, find, define and decide. What can happen in 30 days? What will happen? I'm excited to find out and look forward to sharing the journey with you.

No more teardrops while driving home from work. I AM smart, talented, professional, fun and fabulous! Claim your strengths loud and proud!!

Out with negativity, doubt and fear...
It's time to reclaim my life
Let the 30-day challenge begin!

Coach Me

We often tend to think we can do everything on our own...maybe that's why so many of us are STRESSSSED out! Yes, I have a college education, years of experience, diversified interests and desire to have a stable, gratifying career. But, what in the world is my best fit? What do I really want to do? I know it's not my current job, but how can I best leverage my knowledge, skills and abilities to find what I know exists?

I've had track coaches, cheerleading coaches, college counselors and mentors all providing direction, support and encouragement. Though I didn't always win the race (sadly sometimes came in last) and at times even messed up during a half-time routine, but I still completed the task and they continued to coach and help bring out the best ME.

Well, I've now resorted to a career coach. We've only met once and have another meeting coming up next week where my results from the Meyers-Briggs assessment will be analyzed, applicable career fits discussed and my personal statement evaluated. Yes, I said personal statement...summarizing who I am and what I want all in a few sentences (ummm, that's the million dollar question!) What do I want? I've spent countless time thinking on that one, but will have to write some drafts down over the weekend).

I'm excited about this new venture towards self-discovery, it's a good sounding board with an unbiased party. I'm even kinda intrigued that he had a name for my varied work background and interests "Portfolio Career"...imagine that. It's not what jobs I've had, but what skills I can bring to the table. Through coaching, networking and taking steps towards personal development, I'm ready to WIN! I'm ready to BRING IT!