The method

If you believe that you can receive the perfect job, if you only knew what it was, then here’s something that I’m trying out.  Thought I’d share it with you all, aren’t I nice.

It works as a series of questions, so at each step just start writing the answers that pop into your head.  Trust your gut and don’t edit your answers, you can reflect on it all at the end.

1. What jobs don’t you want to do?
2. For each job you wrote in (1): What is this job to you?
3. For each attribute you wrote in (2): Do you mind doing/being this? (Cross out any attributes where you answer “no”.)
4. For each attribute left from (3): What is missing when you think of <insert attribute>?
5. For each attribute from (4): Does this describe what you want to have in your work? (If yes, put it in a list titled “Job description”)
6. For each attribute from (4): Does this describe how you want to be in your work? (If yes, put it in a list titled “Identity”)
7. For each attribute from (4): Does this describe where you want to be in your work? (If yes, put it in a list titled “Environment”)
8. For each attribute from (5): What would this attribute enable you to do in your work?

You’ll probably be able to merge some of your answers from (8) to give you a tidier list.  Give this a title of “Core competencies”.

If you want to, you can now write a personal ad for your perfect job and post it on the web so it can find you!

The result

Because it’s only interesting if you can see what comes out of it, here’s what I got today (and it may change drastically, who knows, but I was curious after using my sister as a guinea pig for this idea!)

Curious, sensitive guy seeks someone who sees his value for mutual fun and growth.

I am attentive, honest and compassionate.  I will bring everything I have to support you.

You are uncertain, frightened or confused.  You need someone to help you work things out.

Together we will go forward into the unknown, navigate the complex and find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

So, what do you think?  Crazy waste of time, just crazy or are you willing to have a go and post the result here?

Want to see more? Try one of these posts:

• Looking forward
• When will I be ready?
• A damn good book