The Top 10 Questions to ask Yourself About Work

How do you feel about the work you are doing RIGHT NOW? Happy? Not quite sure? It is very beneficial to take inventory of how you are feeling periodically. That way you can start to make small adjustments or changes you need before they turn into big monsters that are harder to deal with! Sit back and take a good amount of time to think the following questions through... where are you right now? And what do you need to do to change? If anything?

1. Am I happy?

What does happiness at work mean to me? Is it something I see possible in my working life? What could it mean? Am I able to live out my values in my work as well as outside it?

2. What do I like about my work?

We're often very good at thinking about the things we don't like. So what do I like about my work? What inspires me? What do I look forward to at the start of my day? What do I enjoy doing? What am I doing when time seems to just fly by?

3. What would I like to change?

Now move on to what I do not like. What makes me unhappy? What bores me? What do I get stressed about? If I could change things, what would I like to be different? What are my favourite gripes about my work? But on the other hand - what could I do right now to change things?

4. What do I need from my work?

Needs = in addition to my basic needs (food, air, water and shelter), or the emotional aspects that drive me (for example: need to be accepted, need to be loved, need to be right, etc.).
Am I getting what I need? What would I have to do to have this need met?

5. What do I want from my work?

Wants = something I wish for or desire.
Am I getting what I want? What would I have to do to have this want met?

6. Is this job role helping me to get where I want to be in 5 years?

Where do I want to see myself professionally in 5 years' time? What do I need to get there? Is what I'm doing going to get me there? If not - what would? If yes - what do I want/need to do next? Am I on the way to that (a natural career progression) or is it something I need to actively develop and pursue?

7. Is this the type of organization I want to work for?

A lot of us 'settle' for where we are at and do not even think it is possible for a great empowering organisation to exist. Not true! What are the traits that my ideal working environment would have? What's good about the one I am in right now? What is not?

8. What would the ideal work scenario look like for me?

Considering all the elements I have explored earlier – what would my ideal working life look like right now? Which bases do I have covered? Which ones do I need to sort out?

9. Who can I explore these thoughts with?

It is really good to bounce these types of questions and answers around with other people. Who could I talk to who would challenge my thinking here? Who would help me see things I cannot see myself?

10. What can I do to change my situation in the next week?

I am the only one who can change my situation? What can I start working on in the next week to take the itch away... what do I commit to?

This piece was originally submitted by Satu Kreula, Professional Coach and Facilitator, who can be reached at satu@escape-club.org , or visited on the web. Satu Kreula wants you to know: I help professionals - who are bored and unhappy in their jobs and know they can do more and contribute more - to have a more fulfilling working life. Check out the Escape Club and sign up for Escape Stories - now!