Nexters and the Cinderella Syndrome
How to Find Career Magic Based on Realistic Expectations
Mar 18, 2009
Most children know the story of Cinderella and how her wicked stepmother and two wicked step sisters treated her so poorly. Because her life was tough, her expectations were low. And in the end Prince Charming came to her aid, swept her off her feet and made all her dreams come true.
Too bad real life isn’t as easy. Though many have been fortunate to strike it rich or unexpectedly have their dreams come true, most people are not so fortunate as to have a fairy Godmother wave her magic wand to save them from obscurity.
Understanding Cinderella Syndrome
The term Cinderella syndrome has been associated with everything from students transitioning from college life to the real world to overworked women looking for relief. However, for nexters who have high expectations that a fairy Godmother is going to wave a wand and magically produce the perfect career path, it’s time to rethink what they can do to help themselves achieve career success.
Unfortunately, rumor has it that because nexters (those born 1978 or later) have been brainwashed by reality TV and advertising campaigns that tell them they can have it all, they are now stumbling through their career, waiting for it to find them. The truth is, it doesn’t matter whether someone is part of the X or Y or any other generation. There is no fairy Godmother when it comes to career success.
Creating Career Magic
Making a career happen takes time and effort. So for individuals who long for a career that they can embrace and enjoy, here are three vital steps they can take to move in the right direction.
First, be in the know. This means knowing their own personal values and goals as well as their individual strengths. When someone knows what he wants, he is more likely to be self-motivated and to understand what skills he has or needs to gain to be successful. Collect information on career options and then determine what education, training, and work experience can make it happen.
Next, understand what it takes. All successful people have developed certain basic soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership as well as the background and experience to get the job done. To join the ranks of the successful, nexters need to step up their game. That means join professional organizations and network, volunteer for work projects and lead the team, and take public speaking and writing classes to hone communication skills.
Last, but definitely not least, have confidence. Nexters need to believe in themselves and their talents without thinking they are superhuman. That means finding balance by understanding their skills and abilities as well as their limitations.
As much as everyone would love to believe there is a secret formula or magic wand that can ensure career success, it really is all about the individual. That’s why it is important for all employees – nexters or otherwise – to realize they are the ones that are responsible for creating their own career magic.
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