Never Apply for a Job Again!: Break the Rules, Cut the Line, Beat the Rest by Darrell Gurney, Ivan Misner

to step up beyond the mundane of what you’re currently doing and view the work/industry/trends from a higher perspective, what might you see?
In other words, do you believe that you are worthy of having a vision? Or is a vision reserved only for certain privileged and “special people” out there… those who were born a certain way, had certain education, fell into certain opportunities, or in some other way had privileges that you didn’t?

CareerGuy Tip: Ask yourself: Am I worthy of having a vision?
A vision could include anything from creating a smoother workflow process for greater productivity on a production line to entertaining a game-changing and innovative idea that turns an industry upside down. A vision could impact only those involved in a certain process or function of a specialized field, or could have multiple impacts spanning companies, industries, or even world trade.
So, before you bag your current gig altogether, given that you currently know a little bit about a little bit, explore some “How about…” and “What if we…” and “Why can’t this…” questions that really pique your interest. Sometimes the “mastery” of a field requires reinventing the field for yourself, and your reason for being in it.
Just as a marriage or other relationship needs attention, creativity, and fresh perspective to make it vital and fulfilling, a career can often call for some romantic dates, growth experiences, andeven renewing of vows. Sometimes you need to remind yourself of what got you there in the first place, go back to those core desires—underneath the blasé busy-ness than has had your nose too close to the ground—and see if there is a way to reinvent the passionate intrigue that got you into that steady relationship originally.
    You owe it to yourself to explore profession(al) relationship counseling if that is what’s truly in order.

CareerGuy Tip: Ask yourself: Is my current career worth saving? Is there a chance for renewed sugar and spice?
    Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider if this romance is worth saving. Take a few minutes to explore…
1. How did I end up doing what I do right now anyway? Was it due to a conscious choice, or simply a fluke? Had I put much thought into it beforehand, or was it something that just fell in my lap?
2. Did I ever really enjoy it? Did I once enjoy it, but now it seems the honeymoon is over? Do I still really enjoy it passionately?
3. What is it that appealed to me about it initially? What kept my interest? What aspects of this work/industry/profession still truly appeal to me?
4. Are there elements at the cutting edge of my current field that fascinate me? If so, what are they?
5. What ideas have occurred to me, perhaps only in passing, for making my line of work more efficient, enjoyable, farther-reaching, trendy, impactful, or game-changing?
6. If I could be more at the forefront of new ideas and innovations affecting my current field, what would I want to participate in?
7. If I could play at these broader-vision levels, would I like to stay in this industry?
8. Are there lines of work related to what I currently do that have areas of intrigue or fascination for me, in which my current associated industry knowledge could be an asset?
9. How do I see my current knowledge impacting what I would like to do in that related area, and what do I need to and want to know more about?
10. Am I really kidding myself? Am I only considering reviving a dead vocation because I’m afraid to go out and research brand-new areas of interest? Am I simply planning to make do, doing the same old same old, because I think I’m locked in, I’m too old to make a total career shift, or I’m a proponent of the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” (If yes to any of these questions, [Buzzer Sound]! No pass! Go back and really work the Freebird and Classifieds exercises. You don’t get to wimp out on being the most useful and alive for