By Dan Moran

Finding career success when times are tough

Over the past months, we have been deluged with bad news on jobs and the economy. In many situations, this has caused fear among many. For others, the unstable job market has caused them to reflect on where they are in their career – or with their employer – and forced them to begin moving toward a change. A recent survey by ABC News confirmed and reported it best: 63% of those employed are currently looking for a new job.
Many think it is just the opposite – stay and hold on rather than move on. Not true, and not unusual, as I have seen this before in difficult economic times. During the economic downturns of the past, we saw the same phenomenon emerge: people made changes – in jobs, career, lifestyle – and other changes too. People turn to their own business as an option in many cases, looking at the situation as a half-full glass of opportunity, rather than half-empty.
As well, concerns over stability of their employer or just disentrancement with job or career causes many to begin moving on, even in tough times. They realize that what they are doing or where they are doing it just doesn’t connect. They know it is time to go in a new direction.
But what to do – Understanding the four P’s of career success
The big question – what does one look for where they will find success? It isn’t just salary or skills or experiences that count. I have learned over the years the Four-P’s that successful people possess:
They are Positive – If you are positive about what you do, you will enjoy it and you will excel. If not in a positive role or workplace, you won’t connect. You won’t be happy, it will show to others, and your performance will reflect this too.
They have Purpose – Successful workers go to work everyday because they serve a purpose, and that may be to their family, to the community, environment or some other cause. They identify with it, and this drives success.
They see Potential – Rather than seeing obstacles to hold them back, they see potential in what they are doing, and they strive toward it everyday. They don’t let small stuff get in the way, they work around it. They find a reason to do, rather than not do something, or pursue an opportunity.
Above all, they have Passion – You may have heard the quote by Dale Carnegie, “You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing.” It is so true. Those truly successful in their career and in their life have passion for what they do. They have a burning desire to achieve, to grow or to contribute. They are not working for pay or a pension, they are working because they love what they do. That defines the difference between many: Some work for pay, others work for their cause. As you may have heard in the past, if you love what you do, you will never “work” another day in your life.
If you are in the midst of a job or career change voluntarily, or have lost your job due to layoff, closure or some other reason, reflect on what is your best connection (your Four-P fit), commit to finding it – then land it. Throw fear to the side. Start today with a fresh outlook – and a plan for success. Think half-full, not half-empty.
Dan Moran is president & founder of Next-Act, a career management & transition firm located in Colonie. He specializes in helping people make career choices and seek new jobs. He is also a Certified Facilitator for Get Hired Now! and Get Clients Now! Programs, which help those in career transition and companies get results. You can reach him at 641.8968 or

dmoran@next-act.com

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or visit www.next-act.com.