Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506020038
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: F-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TERRENCE L. JOHNSON COX NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: DAYTON, OHIO LENGTH: Medium
But off and on between 1991 and 1993, Younce hit an impasse in her career: After the alarm buzzed in the mornings, she'd lie in bed day-dreaming about what she could do rather than go to work.
Other symptoms surfaced. She noticed she didn't chat as often with co-workers. She began to question whether nursing was her calling.
``I felt I wasn't getting [much] from my job,'' said Younce, who works at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, one of the southwestern Ohio city's five hospitals. ``I liked my job, but there was something more I needed to be doing.''
Her experience was hardly unusual. Countless Americans experience times of frustration and dissatisfaction with their jobs.
During these periods, productivity usually falls off and people see no meaning or purpose to their jobs. In fact, many believe quitting is the only way to solve their stress.
But experts warn not to make major moves too quickly.
Experiencing workplace blues - a career low-point - is common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 50 percent of workers are unhappy on the job.
Nonetheless, you need to discover the cause of your frustrations to make the most of your job, said Priscilla Mutter, a career counselor in Dayton.
Employees often believe managers and co-workers cause their frustrations at work. Yet, it's usually their own response to others that creates misery, Mutter said.
After you've discovered the true source of your concerns, look around the company for other opportunities. Consider going back to school to gain new skills. Every effort made to better a work situation usually helps.
``Even though work may not have changed, they're proactive and their work seems better,'' she said. ``They're taking charge of their life and things look a lot brighter.''
Consider Younce. A nurse for 16 years, she wanted more from her career as a nursing supervisor.
She visited two career counselors for advice. After some testing, the first counselor recommended she consider another career, an idea that didn't sit well with Younce.
She then went to Mutter, who helped reinforce her career choice. She also suggested that Younce pursue non-work activities to create a balance in her life. More balance, Mutter said, would make her work more meaningful.
Younce began volunteering with Starfish, a local organization that does volunteer work in Third World and developing countries. This summer, she will spend a month teaching nursing in South Africa.
``I love to travel and I like helping people,'' said Younce. ``Volunteering gives me something more to look forward to, and it broadens my outlook on life.''
Younce also entered graduate school at the University of Cincinnati. It feeds the part of her that loves to learn as well as provides a chance to boost her career at the hospital.
Now, Younce gets out of bed every morning looking forward to work.
Although her job responsibilities haven't changed at St. Elizabeth, she healed herself by doing what made her happy.
Others find taking on new projects at work can be a solution to the blahs.
Sharon Thomas is a seminar coordinator at a community college.
For weeks, the 42-year-old felt she needed a new direction in her career. Work was so tedious she played solitaire on the computer.
But Thomas decided to take control of her career by taking business courses.
She stumbled upon a course in positive attitude and development that changed her career. It pushed her to take control.
Thomas, who considers herself a large woman, designed a seminar called Celebrate Yourself: A Seminar for the Larger Woman. The event, which addressed self-development, had cooking demonstrations, a fashion show and ended with Thomas leading the group in aerobics.
``That was part of the agreement when I proposed the idea,'' said Thomas, who wants to use her job to create other seminars.
About 20 people attended the event which she hopes will become annual.
Thomas illustrates the results of becoming proactive in your career and using your talents to maximize the resources around you.
Most people won't discover that ``perfect'' job, but it's their attitude and view of work that makes the difference in the world.
by CNB