The words “new job new life” often go together. At least in our heads, as we contemplate landing in a much better situation. Ideally, job search also goes hand-in-hand with some degree of hope to get us through the often grueling process.
But the new job also has one thing in common with all your other jobs … and that’s you. And so what you bring to the new job (and what you leave behind) will determine if you’ve truly created a new life for yourself — or just another version of the old life with new surroundings.
Let me explain what I mean by all that. And what you can do to help yourself shake off those parts you want to leave behind.
When a new job is not a new life
You’ve probably heard the phrase “wherever you go there you are”. And, without a doubt, that’s absolutely true when it comes to starting a new job. However wonderful the job seems — and as perfect as it feels to you — you’re still bringing your history and your personal baggage with you.
And you very well may be bringing personal flaws and workplace behaviors that you never took the time to evaluate and work on. While it seems reasonable to think you’ll fix things when you have a better job, for the most part it’s best to start working on yourself before you try to start fresh.
Not that previous jobs didn’t have real flaws that made it hard for you to thrive in those workplaces. But it’s important to look at what we can change in ourselves. Every workplace — even dream jobs — have difficult situations and annoying people. The more you’ve worked on your own reactions and attitudes, the better chance you have of creating that truly new work life.
Wherever you go there you are
Most of all, the phrase reminds us that you can’t escape yourself. Your thoughts, feelings, and even internal struggles follow you. So simply changing your location won’t fix deep-seated issues. Or break old habits that get in your way of moving past workplace challenges to focus on your job and build good workplace relationships. It can’t always be THEM.
So as you’re getting yourself to that new life, you can benefit from efforts to affect personal growth, including honest evaluation of what you might have done better in the past. And how you might face similar situations in the future with a new approach. YOU are the one constant in your life, and true change comes from within, not from external circumstances.
How to get to that new life
Please know that getting “new job, new life” to come true is very possible. I hope nothing I said discourages you. It just doesn’t happen on its own. So here are some posts to help you better understand and change what you can in yourself, leave old behaviors and habits behind, and truly start fresh!
How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!
Emotional Triggers in the Workplace
But Change Is Really Really Hard!
How To Change Your Job Without Quitting
Emotional Boxes: Stuffing Your Feelings at Work
Fed Up With All the Things My Job Doesn’t Have!
Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?
When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace
Do You Feel Like an Outsider at Work?
Time for a Fresh Start! (You Can’t Undo Past Mistakes)
Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts
Why Do I Always Have Bad Luck in Jobs?
Dealing With Inner Conflict at Work
Letting Hurtful Things Take Control at Work
Getting Through a Tough Day at Work (While Staying Sane)
Drama at Work: Dealing With Workplace Drama
ALSO: Dealing With Annoying Coworkers & Bosses
Need more help?
Career coaching with Ronnie Ann
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