A few weeks ago I headed to Atlanta for a roomie reunion. What most people don’t know is that I also went for a job interview. I was skeptical because it was for a senior position, but wanted to follow through since I made it to the second round. At the end of my interview, the woman something to me that I’ve never heard during an interview before:
You seem like you really enjoy what you do, and you’ve worked on some cool, fun projects. I don’t think this position would be a good fit for you, it might suck the life out of you.
She didn’t tell me this because it’s a bad job or company, but because of my experience and the laughs we shared. The interviewer confessed that I would indeed lose my mind. I agreed. Why? Because I’m not passionate about social media. Story-telling? Yes. Social media? Nah. My freelance social media marketing career started as a hobby–one I thought would allow me to make money in while staying in my pajamas all day.
Although some of my goals are a little blurry, and I don’t have a detailed life plan–but I do know what I’m passionate about: arts education and equal opportunity. Ten years from now I see myself directing an arts school, not analyzing hashtags and ReTweets. My social media and public relations experience can definitely help me get there, but there are other things I need to take on to help me down this road too.
I felt stuck, and not because I wasn’t going to a third round. I need to get focused, but how?
5 Questions to Ask When You Feel Stuck
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What is my purpose?
Might as well start it off with the most complicated question. It’s hard to feel like you’re living your best life when you have little direction. Take some time to figure out what you were put on this earth to do.
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What else could I put my energy into to help me reach my goals?
Take an online class, find a mentor, open a savings account–start focusing on what you can do instead of complaining about what you think you can’t do.
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How will I use my free time to work on my goals?
You may need a binge-watch Netflix session after a stressful day, but don’t get caught slipping. Think about all the things you can check off your to-do list during the 8 hours you spent crying over Grey’s Anatomy. (Check out Donni’s productivity tips if you need a little help making the best of your free time: 10 Productivity Tips for the Young Professional )
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Am I only working for money?
Yes, sometimes money is what you need to help you get where you’re going, and in that case– a job is a job. But eventually, that gets old. Like Tony Gaskins Jr. said, “If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs.”
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What, or who, can be eliminated from my life to help me feel less stuck?
Maybe it’s time to get a job or internship in your desired field. Maybe it’s time to distance yourself from any negative friends. Are you wasting time jealousy, insta-stalking someone with your “dream life”? Cut. It. Out.
What do you do when you feel stuck? How did you find your passion or purpose?
All questions that are good to ask when you’re stuck and when you need to check yourself!
I needed this post badly today
I’m definitely feeling stuck, and some of my answers to these questions are less than satisfactory. Thanks for holding up a big ‘ol mirror for me 🙂
xxox
Laura recently posted…How To Rock A White Party
These are great! I’m heading into a career change and moving this winter, so I’m hoping I can use it to get out of this stuck feeling of just getting by.
Fantastic questions. I’ve always felt that asking yourself questions gets you out of inaction and procrastination. I’ll add these ones to my list.
That’s SO great that you’ve turned your passion into a career! I LOVE working from my PJ’s at home! 😉 I go through waves of feeling stuck, so next time I’m in that slump I need to refer to this!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Primal Greek Turkey Burgers
These are great questions to ask when you feel stuck. It can be hard to do a mental check and look inside, but so necessary!
These are all great questions to ask yourself. I think most people know these answers before they ask the questions, they just don’t really want to think about it.
I have a space in my planner in which I write affirmations / quotes / scriptures. Reading through them definitely helps to motivate me sometimes. There is something about putting pen to paper that assists me in getting it back together. Music always helps too.