Growth and sparkle
through a talent scan
Blog by
Mariël Ganzeboom
A strengths scan… I can see you thinking. Let me explain: Knowing what you can do, what you want, and what makes you happy. That’s what you discover with the strengths scan. And believe me, there are many people who don’t really know what genuinely makes them happy. I regularly meet these people when they’re looking for more depth or breadth in their role, or reintegrating from a second track sickness process. Helping and guiding them on their way is what gives me a lot of satisfaction as a career advisor.
Can I still keep up with it all?
I still have a long working life ahead of me. Fortunately! I enjoy working and find it important. I add value. I’m part of a great group. I can put my energy to good use each day. Plus, it makes me appreciate my weekends much more. Yet, I often think, “Oh dear Mariël, the communications field is really changing. It’s practically become marketing communications overnight. Digital trends are evolving quickly and so are technological changes. Can I still keep up with it all? Am I being overtaken by the younger generation?” For me, these are reasons to keep examining my own added value. To stay sharp on how I remain attractive to an employer. And to keep training and developing myself from time to time. Luckily, experience and life wisdom are a strength too, and at 48 years young, that’s something I certainly bring to the table.
How do you know when it’s time to go?
But how do you know when it’s time to start looking for a new job? Before others hint that your “expiration date” is approaching. Or when you’re already so fed up with your job that you can hardly find enjoyment at work? Before you reach that point, you should really decide for yourself that it’s time to move on. Or better yet: You’ve already found a new job. Do you mostly answer ‘no’ to the questions below? Then it might be a good idea to start thinking about your future plan.
- Your engagement at work is high.
- You do what you’re good at.
- Your opinion is valued.
- You get opportunities to learn and grow.
- Do you expect to still enjoy your job in a year?
Your engagement at work is high
As long as you’re engaged, you have your heart in the right place at work. You empathize, think along, and more importantly: you feel involved. That engagement comes from within and is determined by various factors. For me, being able and allowed to work autonomously works really well. I can flourish in my role when I have the freedom and responsibility to shape my job myself. That’s when I add value. Of course, within set boundaries—something I like too—but occasionally coloring outside the lines also suits me well. And it benefits my creative process! My core value of freedom largely determines my engagement. If that no longer feels right within the organization, my engagement could decrease—and with it, my job satisfaction.
Do you expect to still enjoy your job in a year?
A good question to ask yourself: What will my job look like in a year? Does that conjure up positive images in your mind? Or does what you see make you worried? If it’s the latter, remember that you yourself can influence how your future looks. Is there something you can change? Develop? Then go for it. And realize that changes and developments will always cross your path, and you’re allowed to anticipate them. Questions 2, 3, and 4 also play a role in your job satisfaction: If you get the chance every day to do what you’re good at, your engagement is probably just fine. Is your opinion valued by your colleagues and your manager? Count yourself lucky—appreciation is often underestimated, and it gives an enormous boost to your engagement. Do you also get the chance to learn and develop? Bravo, you’re steering your own job and future. Take charge yourself.
Don’t wait until things get worse!
Start with renewal when you notice your enjoyment has decreased and your engagement is slipping. Take that signal seriously and take action. This doesn’t immediately mean you have to leave. But prevent going to work reluctantly. Or that others start talking about your “expiration date.” Keep developing yourself and ask yourself if you still can and want to do this job a year from now. That way, you retain control of your career.
Do you have questions about your shelf life and how you can influence it yourself?
Mariël Ganzeboom
Communications marketing advisor
My great passion is to help further strengthen the growth and name recognition of MEPD in a creative way. And with that, indirectly also contribute to the development of people, teams, and organizations.
