From Dreading Work Talk to Holiday Cheer
I once dreaded Christmas family gatherings. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life, working at a dead-end job with no future. My uncle would give unsolicited advice, “Become a nurse. So you will marry a doctor!”
My eyes rolled under my invisible cloak. I didn’t become a nurse, and I didn’t marry a doctor. I do wish I had someone to guide me through these awkward conversations.
While the song “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” is hitting your eardrums left and right, you may cringe at holiday parties when people ask about your work instead of just talking about the fun stuff if you feel trapped in your career or a job you dread going to every morning. It’s difficult to “be of good cheer” with a heart glowing.
Instead of hiding under the mistletoe, grab a cup of spiced cider and embark on a reflection journey. With some preparation, you can turn the conversations you want to avoid, to opportunities that may lead you to the bright path you have been longing for.
Imagine a genie granted you your wish. You are loving your work. Answer the following questions:
What will you spend most of your day working on?
What skills will you be using to do the work?
Recall: When was the last time you used these skills at work or on a volunteering project? What kind of business result did your work help achieve? If you are a student, where did you learn these skills and applied them in school projects?
What kind of people will you be working with?
What is your leader like?
What does this ideal company do?
What other characteristics does your ideal job have?
Craft a masterpiece weaving your answers into a picture of you doing what you love and the world is a better place because of what you do.
When someone asks you, “how’s work?”, you will be able to answer with delight and hope:
“I am exploring new opportunities.”
“What are you looking for?”
“I am looking for a role where I can spend most of my time focusing on writing comedies, using my observation of life around me, sense of humor, writing skills, and a few experiences directing school plays.”
“Oh?”
“At my former manager’s retirement party, I gave a toast that everyone was laughing out of their chairs.”
“Nice!”
“I like to work with other people who are also creative, and are interested in exchanging ideas. I want to work for leaders who are genuine with clear vision, who trust their people to do good work and provide the resources to help their people grow. I am looking for a company that focuses on observational comedy that engages and retains an audience for future products rather than just counting eyeballs.”
“Guess what?! I know a guy who knows a guy…”
So, when cousin Vinnie inevitably inquires about your work life, unleash your inner career storyteller. While most people don’t get their dream jobs overnight, you might just unlock a hidden connection that leads you one step closer towards a job of your dreams. Like wrapping a gift for someone, dressing up your career story can turn an awkward small talk into a career-changing holiday cheer.
