Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/534897
June 29 - July 20, 2015 8 Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURED ARTICLE by Kurt Metzger S inger-song writer Willie Nelson once said that "99 percent of the world's lovers are not with their first choice. That's what makes the juke box play." The majority of the American workforce knows just what Willie meant; they're not in love with their careers and may be working in jobs that weren't their first choice, according to new research from Gallup. The Gallup survey found that half of polled workers said they were not engaged in their work, 20 percent were actively disengaged and just 30 percent said they were engaged. "Those are sobering statistics for corporate America," says Kurt Metzger, vice president of Talent Management for Prudential Financial. "It doesn't feel like a very good return on investment for employers, and it's not a great story for employees, either. Given the amount of time most of us spend at work, the personal ROI feels disappointingly low. That's a significant lost opportunity." A human resources professional for 20 years, Metzger says that a well- constructed career provides the five key components of well-being that psychology guru Martin Seligman identifies in his book "Flourish": The key, he says, is to take control of career development, engagement, meaning, achievement and positive emotion. "Too many workers are still pining for old school 'career paths' that are defined by their companies and guided by their bosses," Metzger says. "They are a thing of the past. The world of work is simply changing too fast. A job that exists now may not be there a year from now, so creating a well-prescribed path is elusive at best. It is possible, though - and even preferable - to create one's own path." How can you develop the career you want? Metzger offers some advice: * Create a statement of direction. Metzger says, "You need to remind yourself of what your overall purpose is, so that you can manage your career intentionally, rather than allowing it to manage you." A statement of direction also helps you articulate your desired path to others. To craft your statement, ask yourself what your purpose is, what you think success should look like and what you stand for. "It's not necessary to create formal statements, or to memorialize your mission, vision and values on coffee cups and posters, but the answers to these questions can help you get your priorities clear in your own mind," Metzger says. • Think holistically. The notion of work-life balance as a trade-off can be misleading. You will have to make choices, but done right, taking care of your life outside of work can actually leverage your career. For example, research has repeatedly shown that exercise and good nutrition help promote clearer thinking and lower stress. • Establish your value proposition. "Too many employees believe they are entitled to their job, and a promotion and a raise," Metzger says. "It's not true. For an employer, or a customer in the case of The Gallup survey found that half of polled workers said they were not engaged in their work, 20 percent were actively disengaged and just 30 percent said they were engaged. 5 simple secrets to creating the career you want