Shaping your job around you

Whenever I start a new role, I’ve always felt like I have zero idea about what I’m doing. I felt lost trying to figure out who’s who, how to work a new system, where to find information I need and the protocol for broken workstations.

It took me a little while, but eventually I was able to manage that panic and dip on the rollercoaster ride. From there, things went fine – I was receiving compliments and recognitions from my manager and peers for my efforts and contributions.

Until I reflect on the weeks and months that went by, and started to ask myself – How is this job serving me? Is it a good fit for my personality, skills and passion? Is it allowing me to have more control of over my work environment, creativity and schedule? Is it giving me the opportunity to grow my career?

Does this sound familiar?

Reassessing all aspects of my career, I knew I needed to find ways to craft my role to suit my strengths, preferences, and goals. This also meant that I could create opportunities for growth and more fulfilment in my work.

I must admit, shaping your job around you is not easy but it’s so essential for well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. It empowers you to create a work experience that resonates with who you are and what you value.

Shaping your job around you is not about making major changes, it’s a continuous process of experimentation and adaptation. It requires self-awareness, boldness and persistence.

Keep in mind that small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Here are some things to consider that might help you get started, take a moment to reflect on the following:

What is your vision and purpose? 

When you align your job to your values and long-term aspirations, you create a sense of congruence between your personal life and professional ambitions. Think about:

• What are the things that make you happy?

• What is important to you?

• What energises you?

• What are your top 5 values and how does that resonate with you?

What do you want from your job?

Before you decided to hit the apply button in a job advert, you would have read through and considered the job description. However, having a clear vision and understanding of what you want from your job will help you unlock how you can make your role more meaningful to you. Reflect on what truly matters to you:

• What fuels your passion and drive?

• What aspects of your work bring you the greatest sense of fulfillment and purpose?

• What are the tasks and activities that energises you or drain you?

• What are the skills and knowledge that you want to develop or use more of?

• What are the challenges and opportunities that excite you or scare you?

Sit on this for a moment and write down your reflections to these questions and use them as a guide for shaping your job.

What can you do to make your role more meaningful?

Communicate your preferences with your manager and explore ways to create a work environment that suits you best. Explain how shaping your job around you can benefit both you and the organisation. Ask for feedback and support from your manager. Negotiate the changes that you want to make in your job, for example, taking on new projects, delegating or outsourcing some tasks, adjusting your hours or location, or pursuing training or mentoring opportunities.

What have you learnt?

Remember this is a continuous process, review and reflect periodically on how shaping your job around you is affecting your performance, satisfaction and well-being. Ask yourself if you are achieving your goals, meeting your expectations and be open to feedback and the learning experience along the way. Identify what is working well and what have you learnt about yourself.

Focus on the experience, not the outcome and embrace the unfamiliar and challenges, even if it means stepping away from perfectionism!

Any role can be crafted to increase motivation, match your character traits, enhance job satisfaction and a greater sense of autonomy – could also potentially lead to career opportunities.

So don't settle for a job that doesn't fit you. Shape it around you instead.

Give it a go - craft your work and make your work a craft!