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Define Your Own Formula For Success

by Shana Spooner    

"They" say money + prestige = success. Barbara tried that formula. It didn’t work for her. I asked Barbara to describe how she will know when she is successful. "I will feel like I help people on a personal level. Now I help others get rich. I prefer to help others enrich their lives."

To help others in a way that’s just right for her, Barbara needs to use and integrate her natural talents. I asked Barbara to tell me about her likes and dislikes. "I love problem solving. I know how to fix problems and then put something in place so they don’t happen again. I don’t like when jobs are repetitive. I want a career that changes so that I’m constantly learning new things. I’m a learner. I like taking courses. I LOVE computers. I’m great at learning new software programs. I can pick it up once and master it. Once I learn it, I like to show other people." Barbara also revealed that she enjoys interacting with seniors.

Barbara’s personal formula for success is continuous learning + computer work + instructing others = Barbara’s success. A career that matches her success formula is a personal computer software consultant and trainer to seniors. "Wow, I’d love that. It’s right up my alley" was Barbara’s reaction.

Vision + attention = successful career transition. Barbara now has direction. She must conduct further research to clarify her vision. Barbara can begin with the Independent Computer Consultants Association, ICAA.org. She may find others who can assist or mentor her.

The bigger hurdle is carving out time from her busy schedule. If Barbara is serious about this career change, she must rearrange her schedule to reflect her priorities. She currently works a 60+ hour workweek. She also has 2 children and a husband. Something has to give. Here are 4 ways Barbara can carve out time. She needs to choose the option that works best for her or design her own option. Barbara can "sell" the option to upper management by quantifying the benefits to the company.

Option 1 - Barbara can turn her current job into a 4 -day workweek. She can use the 5th day to work toward her new career. WARNING - Many staffers opt for a 4-day workweek. They are more than willing to take the pay cut in exchange for more time. The problem is they still end up doing the same amount of work. Barbara and her manager(s) must discuss, agree and document new responsibilities and metrics based on a shorter workweek. For this option to work, Barbara must be vigilant and protective of her personal time.

Option 2 – Barbara can job share. In this option, Barbara’s company hires or promotes someone to share the VP title and responsibilities. Barbara earns half her weekly pay and has time to work toward her new career. Negotiations listed in Option 1 also apply here.

Option 3 - Barbara can quit her job. This is the riskiest option. However, it gives her the maximum amount of time and energy to pursue her dream career. In this scenario, Barbara loses her safety net of a paycheck. This should lead her into quick action. She can realize her dream sooner. Barbara must carefully weigh benefits and risks of this option.

Option 4 – Barbara can choose one or two weekday evenings and/or weekend days to concentrate on her new career. She should prearrange specific days and hours to work toward her new career. This option adds to Barbara’s plate without taking anything away. Therefore, it is the least likely to work. Another downside is that it takes Barbara away from her family even more.

Focus = Reality. Wherever Barbara chooses to focus her time and energy, she will see results. If she continues her 60+ hour workweek, she will continue getting what she always got – dissatisfaction. Barbara is a great problem solver. Conquering her schedule is her first big challenge.

"I want to make this happen. I don’t want to waste anymore time. I’m ready to be happy", were Barbara’s final words.


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Shana Spooner has been called "a career makeover guru." She provides her clients with clarity on the career direction they would be happiest pursuing and then gives specific actions to get there. Spooner’s makeovers are conducted by telephone so that she