Transforming Underutilization into Purpose

The modern work landscape presents an intriguing paradox: while we are surrounded by incredible technological advancements that should enhance productivity, many employees feel a sense of underutilization or misalignment (Kokshagina & Schneider, 2022). It's disheartening to realize that despite having access to numerous tools and resources that streamline our work, we often find ourselves yearning for more meaningful challenges and fulfillment in our professional lives. This emphasizes the importance of reassessing our career paths, reshaping our trajectories, and injecting purpose into the work we do.

The Pangs of Underutilization

The first step in any journey of change is acknowledging where you are now. Feeling underutilized at work can be a disheartening experience. It may stem from various circumstances, such as having your ideas undervalued, your skills overlooked, or your potential untapped. You may be in a job that doesn't quite fit, or the tasks you're given don't match your expertise or aspirations.

It's important to remember that feeling underutilized does not reflect your worth or competence. Instead, it often indicates a misalignment between your abilities and what you're currently asked to do. The key is not to internalize these feelings but to harness them as a catalyst for change.

From Stagnation to Motivation

Your feelings of underutilization can be your most excellent motivator for pursuing change and growth. Use this situation to reflect on your strengths, passions, and career goals. 

• What are the tasks that genuinely light you up? 
• What unique skills or ideas do you bring to the table? 

Answering these questions will help you to get a clear picture of what you want your professional life to look like.

Once you've clarified your professional aspirations, it's time to take a proactive stance. Seek out opportunities for upskilling, either within your organization or independently. Invest in yourself by gaining new qualifications, learning new skills, or exploring new areas of interest. This self-improvement mindset can help you feel more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. I use LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, or the websites of the tools I want to learn, such as Salesforce, Adobe, etc.

Speaking Up: Communication is Key

Your supervisors or team leaders may need to be made aware that you feel underutilized. It's crucial to have open, candid conversations about your feelings, aspirations, and ideas for change. Present your perspective, the steps you're willing to take, or the roles you'd like to explore to feel more fulfilled and engaged at work. Your proactive attitude and willingness to grow prompt your superiors to consider you for more challenging projects or roles that align better with your skills and interests. They might not be aware of what you are capable of. Let them know.

Finding and Following Your Purpose

When I speak of purpose at work, I refer to a sense of meaningfulness and contribution, a feeling that our work matters to us and the world at large. For me, it is service and that incredible feeling when you solve a longstanding problem. If you need help finding this sense of purpose in your current role, it might be time to reconsider your professional path. Check out career path quizzes like The Princeton Review.

Finding your purpose often involves identifying the intersection between your skills, interests, and the impact you want to have on the world. Start by reflecting on what matters to you. What issues or problems do you feel passionate about solving? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? How can your unique skills contribute to this cause?

Remember, finding your purpose is not always about making drastic changes. Sometimes, it's about shifting your perspective, finding meaning in the work you're already doing, or carving out a niche for yourself within your current role. Other times, it might involve transitioning into a different position or even a new industry that aligns more closely with your values and passions.

Let me know how it goes.

 

Reference:

Kokshagina, O., & Schneider, S. (2023). The Digital Workplace: Navigating in a Jungle of Paradoxical Tensions. California Management Review, 65(2), 129–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/00081256221137720