Sustainable employment

In a recent post, Steps to finding your next job, I suggested avenues to secure employment. But, as a sustainability consultant, I would add that from a more expanded view, looking for work is just a piece of building a sustainable lifestyle.

While looking for work may not be fun or even what you intended, it is an opportunity to direct your career from this point forward by redefining yourself and developing a personal sustainability plan that is aligned with your current values and goals. During this transition, explore your values, rediscover who you are and identify your talents and interests.

In looking for your next position it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions.

Research and clarify new roles that offer will challenge and excitement for you.
What activities will leave you feeling appreciated and valued?
What skills and talents can you bring to your new role?
What characteristics of the company need to be in place for your work to be meaningful and fun?

As mentioned, your job is just a piece of your overall sustainable lifestyle. In building a personal sustainability plan, you will want to further explore your work opportunities with an eco aware perspective of the companies you are considering employment:

Does the company demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability at the highest levels of the organization?
Are sustainability principles built into core strategic business strategies/goals?
Are the products/ services offered by this business delivered through sustainable practices?
Are key stakeholders-employees, suppliers, clients, community- engaged and see value?
Is reporting transparent and available?
As an individual worker, what sustainable businesses practices are available to me? Telecommuting? SRI in 401K plan?

With a desire to choose a more sustainable lifestyle, there are employment options available to you. Make a powerful choice: choose meaningful work for yourself and a company that stands for the environment.