When You Are Used to Being the Boss

For many individuals, the goal of building a career or a business is to get increasingly autonomous. Many of us view the "pinnacle" as a work world where we are in charge and not having to answer to anyone else. For individuals who have been in charge or owned their own businesses, it can be tough to go back to a work scene where someone else is calling the shots. It can take some time and some concerted effort to get used to having someone else be in charge when you have been the one in control.

In an economy like this one, more and more people are losing jobs, losing businesses and actually going "backward" or being forced to start over in their careers or work world. Instead of marching onward and upward, many of us are having to change direction, shift gears, make different career choices and may otherwise find ourselves having to take orders when we are used to being the ones in charge. While some may find it a big relief to no longer be held responsible, others find letting someone else call the shots to be especially challenging.

It can help to focus on the things you CAN control instead of the elements of the new job situation that you cannot. Remind yourself that while you may not be the boss, you still have some autonomy and control over how you approach your job. Focus on the elements-no matter how small-that you do have a say over (your work space, desk, etc.) instead of focusing on where you do not have control.

Try to refrain from focusing on the differences in what you WOULD DO as the boss and what your boss is doing. Of course, there will be differences and you may even have more experience than your boss but try to allow for those differences in experience and approach. Even you are absolutely convinced that you SHOULD be in charge, allow the supervisors to make their own mistakes, and explore their own approaches. Practice letting go and seeing what lessons might be available to you by NOT being in charge.

It might help to remind yourself of the headaches and challenges that you do not have to deal with since you are no longer the boss. If you owned your own business, you might be able to enjoy not having the expenses and having to be the responsible party. If you really do want and need to be in control, you will be again and you can use this time to regroup and learn new ways of working.