Mixed feelings about work

I’m coming back to this model after a break. I’ve interviewed for another, higher paid job with more obvious growth prospects. I didn’t perform my best at the final interview (for understandable reasons) and now don’t expect to be offered it.

Luckily I like the job I’m doing now and the organisation, but it isn’t paid that well and the prospects for growth seem limited. I’m feeling like I need to prepare myself for rejection and the potential to spiral into feeling hopeless.

My previous AAC model finished here:

R: value what I’m doing for what it brings me right now. Do my best to bring value for myself and colleagues.

Coaching question:
What might stand in my way and how can I plan to overcome this:

The role is administrative and I feel like I should be doing something more impressive with more responsibility.
Remind myself that I dont need to impress anyone – the reasons I’m doing this role are partly that I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself returning to work.
That the role is skilled, it just doesn’t carry much responsibility and therefore less pressure.
I can make a genuine contribution.

The money isn’t enough
Remind myself that it’s a starting point and to separate worth from money.
I’ve had good feedback so far so may be able to move higher up the pay scale for the role at the end of my probation.
I can potentially find other income sources.
I don’t urgently need them.
It’s about my goal to feel I could live independently if I wanted to and I would struggle on this salary.

That there are interesting things I could get involved with across the organisation with time.

I feel well supported by my line manager and directors at a very difficult time.
I enjoy the social aspect of the job.
The leave and pension are really good. I like lots of things about it and in the past I haven’t enjoyed my jobs.

I can try to feel confident that I will keep working towards financial independence over time. Showing up and enjoying it are what is needed for now.

Is there anything else?

 

 

Answer:

 

It sounds like you’ve examined an array of where you might be held back by your thoughts and how to navigate around them. Well done, you! One interesting thing about the sting of rejection is that it’s a feeling that’s created by thoughts. Even if you aren’t offered the job, you get to choose what you think about it – it can be a whole lot of thoughts, and you can be okay with having the ones that create feelings that are hard to experience and the ones that create feelings that are wonderful or easier to experience. Whatever the outcome is, continue to examine your brain, cultivate self-awareness, and be observant of yourself. This will only create a better understanding of and more compassion for yourself. Keep coming back when questions arise or when things get challenging, and to celebrate your wins. We’re always here.