Zenployee of the week
By Carl Munson
Yes, you read that right. "Zenployment" is apparently the trend to watch as we're being warned this week that "Britain's bosses are to face a rush of resignations as forty-something workers chase fulfilment".
Bad news if you're a boss of forty-somethings perhaps, but great news it seems for us as a society, now that – according to a Norwich Union Life study – "almost half of Brits want a second more compassionate career by 45."
According to the new study, the majority of those questioned are planning to put satisfaction before success and are sick of unfulfilling work.
Two thirds told researchers for Norwich Union they are "unfulfilled", "miserable" or "drifting" in their jobs, and over half claimed they'd happily earn less money in a role that made them feel better about themselves.
Zenployment, as its been labelled here in the UK, reveals a widespread wish for a second career that offers personal fulfilment and the chance to make a difference beyond middle-age.
Animal welfare worker, counsellor and yoga teacher, feature on the list of compassionate careers being planned and one in four of those questioned said they were calling on their current employer to provide them with the opportunity to do unrelated charity, or pro bono work in their current career.
William Nelson, of trend analysts the Future Foundation, said: "This research is further evidence that we're entering a new era, with a society that is less selfish and increasingly focussed on personal fulfilment.
"In fact, rising affluence and high employment levels mean most of us now feel pretty secure in providing for our basic needs, especially once we are established in careers and the housing market."
"The ethical and spiritual dimensions of work therefore are more of a priority, and people want to believe their careers contribute towards a better future - not just for themselves but for society as a whole."
Also worth noting is a rejection of conventional retirement, with "withdrawal from work" being rejected in favour of Zenployment, with half of the survey's respondents saying they will not follow the traditional retirement path of their parents and do not aim to "put their feet up in a country cottage or villa abroad".
Apparently, the road to Zen is, on average, a nine-year plan, with 36 the typical age at which those planning second careers begin preparing.
Locally, look no further than Newton Abbot's Sue Fraser - holistic therapist, inspirational artist and author - for a great example of the Zenployment ideal. Sue switched careers years ago and this coming weekend hosts a May Bank Holiday Holistic Fayre with the proceeds going to charity. This must surely put her in the running for "zenployee of the week".
The top 10 of second careers for Zenployees includes counsellor, charity worker or volunteer, alternative therapist, artist and teacher. Sue ticks at least four of these boxes and is a heartening example to anyone thinking of doing the Zenployee shuffle.
"The proceeds from the fayre will be going to the SMILE Society in India, which works for better education and welfare for street, slum and underprivileged children in Calcutta & Darjeeling in Northern India," says healer Sue.
"If you would like to make a donation to the SMILE society, or sponsor me, I am going to help the charity in October and do some voluntary work with the children. I would love to hand them an enormous cheque when I go. Can you help me?" she asks.
As far as Zenployment goes, this woman has been there, done it and now wears the t-shirt for the benefit of others.
The Holistic Fayre is being held at the Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Road in Newton Abbot on Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday and Sunday 26th & 27th May 2007. It's an event for the whole family with doors opening to the public at 10.00am both days. Admission charge is £2.00, children under 14 will be admitted free.
There are over 30 different exhibitors at the fayre ranging from Acupuncture, Angels, Aura Camera, Books, Colour Therapy, Crystals, Dragon workshop for kids, Indian Head Massage, Kinesiology, Readings, Shiatsu and much more.
Workshops, talks and demonstrations will be held throughout both days and I will be at the show and giving a talk on the Sunday – do come along and say hello.
For more information contact Sue Fraser on 07834417997 or just turn up.
This article was posted by Carl Munson
