Smart Business Magazine, October 2015

16 Smart Business Akron Canton October 2015 Dealing with career angst Everyone goes through it Heres how to deal with it Just being ready to make a decision for change can be a tough go Its a path marked by discontentment frustration and anxiety If thats you youre not alone I can promise you that every person you work with has wondered if theyre in the right job the right marriage the right state of mind We all get down We all feel isolated It is a critical part of your journey and how you navigate it defines your character Alcoholics Anonymous is known for using the Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference You might be surprised to know that the solution to your angst is wrapped up in this beautiful little prayer The courage to change what you can The first step in unraveling your career angst is figuring out if you are in circumstances that you can change Is there a move available for you Are you willing to take the risks necessary to get to the other side These are big questions and you might need advice to figure it out Dont be afraid to seek help It may be the hardest step you ever take but going it alone is far more difficult Accepting the things you cannot change If the answer to change is no then the answer to acceptance has to be yes If you cant change your circumstances your boss your compensation or your possibilities then youve got to accept your circumstances Of course that too is difficult work If you are stuck in career angst remember these four things 1 Its normal People dont make career moves out of an abundance of contentment Usually there is something out there they want that they dont currently have 2 Try not to do anything stupid Quitting your job without a plan or during a low point is a bad idea 3 Get help Talking to a trusted friend mentor life coach or therapist isnt a sign of weakness But going it alone out of fear of being honest with yourself is 4 Have faith Peace and contentment follow universal laws of thought action and being If you do your work change what you can and accept what you cannot change joy and peace will naturally grow as a result Lets face it At some point youre going to experience some career angst Maybe youre a young professional anxious for some direction or stuck in an unfulfilling job where you feel trapped or near the end of your career and unsure of what youll do when work is over Life doesnt come with a road map and figuring out what comes next is tough LINK UP with Daniel Flowers on LinkedIn www linkedin com in danflowers DANIEL FLOWERS President CEO Akron Canton Regional Foodbank Dan is a member and former vice chairman of Feeding Americas National Affiliate Council and is currently chairman of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks board of directors Under his leadership the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank received Feeding Americas 2012 Food Bank of the Year award the highest recognition achievable by food banks 330 535 6900 www akroncantonfoodbank org DANIEL FLOWERS CARE AND FEEDING