I started writing about doing a self-evaluation back in December 2023, and it has been a helpful process. I am currently looking at re-entering the workforce to bolster my income for a while, but now, I’m fully aware of what I will and won’t tolerate and what I can and can’t do. That was the whole point of the self-evaluation.
If you are changing careers, changing jobs, and/or considering a freelancing or small business career, it’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses. What can you do? What do you dislike doing? When might you need help with a task, and when can you just learn how to do something yourself instead of hiring someone? A self-evaluation will help you answer some of these questions.
I didn’t write about everything that I learned about myself, but I have learned some hard truths about what I want to do and what I am not cut out to do. I don’t see any of that as a failure. Recognizing what I can’t do is a good way to eliminate jobs or careers that don’t fit my skill set. I want to be a full-time freelance writer, but I may have to temporarily re-enter the workforce. A self-evaluation has taught me several things to consider this time around.
My Self-Evaluation Revelations
- I know to avoid jobs that involve too much customer service and interaction without management support because I’m just worn out with people and being thrown under the proverbial bus.
- I will ask pointed questions about management and expect straightforward answers in the interview process. If I don’t like what I learn about management in a company, I know that organization is not for me.
- I don’t mind cleaning up a mess unless the company itself helps to create the mess, and then they refuse to fix the problem.
- I need a job where I can concentrate so anything with too many people, too much noise, and/or a lack of adequate private individual workspace is not a reasonable option.
- I have great research skills, and it really doesn’t matter what you ask me to look up. I can find what people need most of the time.
- Writing is an essential part of who I am, and while I can do it just for myself, I enjoy using that skill to help an employer and those around me.
- I like challenges because it keeps my brain active so I don’t mind a challenging job where things are different from day to day as long as there is always time to complete projects.
This self-evaluation process taught me a lot about myself, and I discovered that both good and bad employment situations have shaped my expectations. While this will narrow my job options, I’m okay with that possibility. I would rather take a while and pick a good place to work than jump at a job that turns out not to work out for me if I do go back into the workplace.
On the other hand, I’ve learned a lot about what I’m good at versus what I’m not good at if I decide to stick to the freelancing option as well. It turns out that I do have some skills that will help if I’m going to run my own business such as my ability to organize, declutter, and keep to a schedule. I’m also willing to learn new things so I can keep growing a freelancing business. I’ve also learned that I will need accounting help around tax season every year because that is definitely NOT a strong point.
The whole point of a self-evaluation isn’t to run yourself down for what you can’t do. It’s just important to learn what skills you have, what skills need work, and what skills belong to someone else. Whether you are changing careers or transitioning into a freelance career or small business, take some time to figure out where your skills lie so it will make the process easier as you move forward.
If you want to read all of the posts on self-evaluation, just click here, and you will find all of them on the same page. (insert a link to the Self-Evaluation page)
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Inspirational Verse for the Day:
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10, CSB)
All Things Subject to Change 