You don’t have to leave your company to get a new job. There is another alternative to switching jobs. You can create your own role and reinvent yourself, while remaining at your firm. There is a slowly emerging trend of job crafting, the practice of reimagining and changing the nature of your role to fit your needs, wants, desires and ambition.
In today’s tumultuous environment, it's understandable that you may want to switch jobs, but are concerned over the potential risk. The current challenge is that the job market and economy have shifted. For those people working at tech startups and cryptocurrency platforms, they’ve seen a wave of layoffs, hiring freezes and job offers rescinded. There is a palpable fear that you could be the next one to get laid off.
You’re caught in a trap. You feel stuck where you are, but are afraid to leave, as you might be in the position of the “last one hired and first one fired” when things go south. The backdrop of inflation, an upcoming recession and other issues make you afraid to make a move outside of your company and comfort zone. Meanwhile, you’re not going anywhere and have been doing the same thing for years.
Try Job Crafting Before Starting A Job Search
Instead of quitting during the Great Resignation trend, create your own job. The first step is to figure out what you want to do next. Think about the responsibilities, tasks and assignments you want to be involved with. Also, look at the monotonous things that you hate and would love to hand off to someone else. Once you have a vision in mind, ask for a conversation with your immediate supervisor. Share your thoughts and goals. Let them know that you love the company and want to stay there, but feel the pent-up, burning desire to do something new and different. Map out all of the things that will reinvigorate your passions.
Since this is not a widely adopted practice, your boss might be surprised at first. You may need to explain that it is a win-win for everyone. You’ll be excited about the future and the employer doesn’t have to worry about losing a star employee. An enlightened, empathetic leader will listen and understand your needs. A caring boss will appreciate your honest and forthright approach. They know that you’re a devoted hard worker and will want to keep you happy and motivated. From a business perspective, job crafting could serve as a savvy way to retain the best and the brightest.
The Antidote To Disengaged Workers
Employers want workers to feel connected to their jobs and the company. The challenge is that many people feel disengaged. A recent Gallup poll reported that only 33% of American workers are engaged in their jobs. The survey found that more than half of the respondents self-reported that they are going through the motions and lack a connection to their job and employer.
People who are disengaged are likely to lack motivation and, subsequently, their work product will suffer. Employees are tuning out because their skills aren’t fully actualized. They don’t feel motivated or that management cares about their career progression. Leadership needs to improve engagement and satisfaction. Job crafting is a great way to empower workers by offering them the leeway to design their own path forward.
How To Reinvent Your Job
In collaboration with your manager, human resources and others, start making alterations and enhancements to your job. Add on the new responsibilities that offer meaning and purpose. For instance, after more than 10 years as a lawyer or accountant, you may feel burned out. Think of how you can leverage your skills to pivot and reinvent yourself.
The attorney may still keep part of their portfolio and then take on pro-bono work to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are the subject of discrimination or trying to emigrate into the U.S. The accountant may take hand off tax work to others and focus on offering their services to charities and good causes. The accountant, who primarily deals with large multinational corporations, could now offer advice to people who need help dealing with the effects of inflation and rising interest rates.
By taking proactive steps to redesigning your work, you will feel a renewed sense of agency, purpose and meaning. The intellectual challenges of learning new skills will make you motivated once again. You’ll feel fulfilled, as you are making a difference in people’s lives.
Employers Will Benefit From Your New Career Arc
Corporate leadership recognizes that it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to attract, recruit and retain workers. Job crafting is the perfect solution. The company doesn’t lose top talent and provides a mechanism and pathway to continue growing and developing employees’ careers within the organization.
The people who reinvent their jobs will be happier, as their focus is primarily on what is important to them. The good vibes will reverberate within the company. Watching the person who reimagined their job blossom may give others the confidence to try reinventing themselves too. If companies enact job crafting at scale, it could make a significant impact. Workers will see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They no longer will feel that they are trapped in their siloed jobs.
The rejuvenation associated with autonomy, freedom and creativity will spur people on to achieve great things. Since the individual designed their role, they are more connected to their work and will be more passionate about what they do on a daily basis. Working toward a goal that you personally designed will greatly aid in improving mental health, emotional well-being and avoiding burnout.