Make That Change

Quoting from an old Michael Jackson favorite of mine:

"I'm looking at the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place . . .
Better look at yourself and make that . . . CHANGE."

I've been making a lot of changes this year - mainly in the healthy eating and exercise department. And for once, I'm sticking to that change, trying to make it a permanent part of a healthier me.

But there's another major change happening - my job. I won't get TOO specific but even in this bad economy, sometimes a change is necessary and hopefully for the better. I'm moving to a different company, doing a less customer service and more sales-oriented position. I really MISSED the sales aspect. Doing business-to-business sales is a real joy to me, and so I've found hopefully a good opportunity to work with a sales team where I'll have a more active role.

What amazes me, with this change like no other, is so many people have come up to me and admitted their secret unhappiness with their jobs, but their fear of leaving and/or losing their jobs. What I'm saying is - don't let the economy freak you out to the point where you get real anxiety. We've been through tough economies before, and we will get through this one too. And even in tough times, there are opportunities out there . . . even for middle aged folks like me . . . it's all in matching your skills with companies that need your skills. I ALWAYS subscribe to Careerbuilder and Monster just to keep tabs on what is happening in industries that I am interested in. It's important to keep your finger on the pulse of your career field. Most of all believe in YOURSELF.

Instead of ringing your hands and muttering, "Gosh, I guess I'm lucky to have a job." Try substituting a new affirmation, "I am a productive, valuable worker and my job security lies not with any one company but in me." Does that sound too polyanic?