First of a three-part series
“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” — Arnold Toynbee
I really like this quote by Arnold Toynbee, because it resonates well with my journey to finding my authentic vocation. I have seen so many entrepreneurial people create a lucrative and thriving role for themselves seemingly out of thin air.
When there is a need that only you can remedy, and you desperately want more fulfillment out of your current work, conditions are just right for you to create the position you’ve been longing for.
Let’s start the process by writing your job description. In the context of this article, the word “job” refers to any compensated opportunity.
A job description is your guideline for designing your position. Putting your thoughts on paper makes it easier for you to communicate to others what you do. A basic job description consists of key components: 1) job title, 2) position description, 3) a list of key responsibilities, and 4) specific tasks. Below are brief definitions of each of these components.
Your job title
What do you want to be called? Are you looking for a title with more cachet and prestige than you’ve had in the past? CEO, manager or specialist? You decide, but make sure that your level of expertise and experience is aligned with your title. There will always be expectations of performance associated with titles, especially titles that are linked to management ranks.
Position description
In this section, describe the position and its key purpose. What do you want to accomplish by creating this position? What needs are you trying to meet? What or who is your target population? Who do you want to do business with?
Key responsibilities
List your key activities here. Focus on noting activities which you enjoy and which are aligned with your job title. Give yourself responsibilities that you have enjoyed in the past.
If you do not enjoy going to a plethora of generic meetings every day just because you were “invited,” keep this in mind as you list your responsibilities. Also, take into consideration your work-life balance when identifying what you will ultimately be your responsibility.
Specific tasks
Start by identifying the types of tasks you want to do in your ideal, newly created role. If you could do whatever you wanted to do for 40 hours a week and get paid for it, what would those activities look like?
Once you have written your job description, take some time to consider the risk, reward and commitment that is required to make your dream happen. Are you willing to go the distance and take a chance on your success? Somewhere, there is a need that only you can fill.
Next month, I will outline how to plan your work and work your plan in the marketplace!
Tammy McIntyre is owner of McIntyre Employment Service, an agency providing individuals and small businesses with career development services. She welcomes reader responses to tammy@mcintyre-employment.com.
