Just keep learning

As you know from my July post I recently made some changes in my career. It has now been almost six months and those changes have moved from uncomfortable to invigorating. Yes I still have moments of doubt but I would be worried if I didn't. The moments of doubt mean I am still being challenged, still stretching.

For me the criteria for a great job is learning. Once I stop learning I stop wanting to do the work. I think it is important to know these key criteria for yourself. For you it may be a comfortable schedule, a dynamic team, friendships in the office or clearly defined tasks that can be satisfyingly checked off each day. Whatever keeps you charged up and gives you a sense of satisfaction as you end your day is what is going to keep you getting up each morning and going to work with a smile on your face.

If you are in a job right now that isn't satisfying you, think about what you feel is missing and start writing those items down. Essentially start writing your ideal job description.

Now, keep in mind there will always be those things in every job that we don't love but that's okay because they just make us more grateful for the other exciting things we get to do.

Lessons from my bus driver

I've started taking the bus home from work everyday and much to my surprise it has become one of the highlights of my day - as long as I catch the 4:24 bus! I know it sounds strange but the bus driver is not your ordinary transit employee. He is an entertainer!

Here is a guy who truly loves his job or at least makes the very best of it.

Everyday he posts a joke or funny fact on the ticket box for your enjoyment when entering the bus. If you ask him how his day is going he will always answer with a joke and he thoroughly encourages interaction between riders.

The 30 minutes I spend on that bus I am thoroughly entertained and by the time I get home the stress of the day is gone.

I think we can all learn something from the driver of the 4:24 bus. Here's what I've learned:

• A good attitude is infectious
• Loving what you do is a choice
• Being friendly to strangers can improve your life
• A good joke goes a long way!

Think about how you approach your day. Do you dread your day at work? Do you make an effort to be positive? Have you chosen to look at the good or the bad in your daily routine? A positive perspective can change your life and the life of those around you! My bus driver's changed mine;-)

The transformative powers of fall

There are two times of year when I feel the strong urge to make plans, set goals and generally get organized. The first is that media imposed New Years Resolution time and the second is about now when the crisp scent of autumn and school supplies fills the air. The first cool day after Labour Day I am filled with the urge to buy a new notebook and pen and to start making lists.

I think this is true of a lot of people, business starts to get busy again once everyone is back from the lazy days of summer. So what are you doing this fall to improve yourself and your life?

It is a perfect time to sign up for a continuing education class, take up yoga or curl up with the latest business book. Whatever it is, get motivated! This was a time of transformation from when you were 4 to 20 something. Why stop the trend?

20 Rules for Career Success

Scrolling through the archives of the Globe and Mail Careers section I found this article about career success. Since I couldn't say it better myself click here to read the article.

My favorites are numbers 8,9, 14, and 19. What are your favorites?

Change is uncomfortable!

I've made some changes recently and had forgotten how uncomfortable they can be. We are creatures of habit. There is a lot of wisdom surrounding change. The title of this post is new wisdom to me that I received from a friend. She was right. Change really is uncomfortable but absolutely necessary as you work towards achieving your goals.

Pushing past our comfort zones and trying new things is ultimately how we evolve but it is important to give yourself time to adapt to your new situation. Change is a process of both beginning and ending. It is important to take time to grieve what you are leaving behind while you embark on your new opportunity. Although starting a new job can be exciting it can also be very stressful to be in an unfamiliar situation and to have to let go of all the things you liked about the old job.

As I settle into my new life and push past the initial discomfort of transition I am beginning to feel energized by the adventure. The new is starting to feel familiar as it always eventually does.