7
fOccupational
dimensions
Description:
wellness
Occupational wellness includes finding personal fulfillment and satisfaction from our chosen career fields or life goals while maintaining balance in our lives. Positively impacting the organizations we work in and society as a whole through our careers helps ourselves and improves the lives of others.
DeAnna Goddard
Associate Director for WSU Career Services in the Warrior Success Center and Chair of the Occupational Dimension for the 2012 University Theme: Well-Connected.
The word “fit” is often associated with physical wellness. “I am physically fit.”
But, what does it mean to be occupationally fit? The idea of “fitness” in a career isn’t an obvious topic. So, let’s use a running analogy to explore 5 areas of career fitness.
1
Choose the race that fits you.
There are many types of runners: sprinters, joggers, long-distance runners. A sprinter is not going to last long in a long-distance off-road race, and a jogger will probably not appreciate the short distance of the sprinter’s track. These runners vary in their abilities and their preferences in an environment. They choose the race that best fits their skills and preferences. The same concept should be applied to your career. As you look at majors and career paths, you too should be looking at the best fit for you. What are your abilities? What careers best fit these abilities? What are you looking for in a work environment? What interests you? What fits your personality? Action: Visit with a Career Counselor in the Warrior Success Center to talk about your career options. Take an assessment that helps you identify your interests, preferences, and strengths.
Icon & Color The briefcase represents preparedness, effort, and professionalism. The color purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red to produce wisdom, dignity, and independence. Example: Choosing a career that suits your personality, interests, and talents.
wellzine | august 2012
2
Run your own race.
Once you know the path you want to take, it is important to pay attention to the journey. Runners often use the motto: Run your own race. Rather than trying to meet someone else’s abilities or achieve someone else’s goals, know your own; pursue your own. Like a runner knowing and listening to his/her body before, during, and after a race. You too should be attuned to your career journey – periodically assessing your own experiences to find what brings you enjoyment and satisfaction in your career. Is it important to you that you utilize your skills and do your job well? Is it important that you work with one of your interests? Do your values need to align with your work? Does your career need to complement or accommodate your personal life? Asking these questions and paying DeAnna Goddard attention during your career journey will help you find Photographer: Constance Krzyzanowski enjoyment and satisfaction throughout your career. Action: Keep a career journal – write down your thoughts and ideas relating to your career choices. Ask yourself the questions listed above. Talk with a career counselor, family member, or close friend about these questions.