You get what you pay for does not just apply to shopping. You are paying a price, whether you know it or not, at work and you are getting exactly what you pay for.

Step 5 - If in step 4 you were unable to identify any way for you to express your authentic self, determine what the payoff is for working in this job. When we continue to do the same thing over and over - in this case going to work at the same job day after day - and we resist making a change, it is partially because there is a pay off for us to stay. We must be getting something out of the situation or else staying would not be an option. So, think about what you are getting by staying. For some it might be a substantial paycheck and for others it may be a flexible schedule or the perks/benefits they get at work. Pay attention to these and don't minimize them. They may be great reasons to stay but it is also quite possible that these reasons are not exclusive to this job in this company. Look at the bigger picture. You may be able to duplicate them in a variety of situations.

I worked with one client who was so hung up on the fact that she liked her co-workers that whenever she thought about leaving her job she imagined herself at her next job without the camaraderie she had developed with her current colleagues. When I asked her about previous jobs she had she remembered great bosses and good friends she still kept in touch with. She was afraid her luck had run out and this fear kept her from moving. Once she was able to let go of it and instead of expecting a worse situation, she changed her outlook to anticipate something equal or better.

I do not mean to downplay the importance of the people with whom you work but it is possible to duplicate a lot of things at work. The important thing for her when she began interviewing was to take extra time to meet with and speak with people with whom she may work. She requested time away from decision makers to speak with potential colleagues and asked a lot of questions. For some people, this is not that important but for her it was a deal breaker.

If you have a deal breaker, just be honest enough to identify it and do what you have to to make sure you have what you need at work. In the above case she went through several interviews where the company culture and people just did not feel right for her. However, she eventually found a place that in addition to a great salary and work load, she was given the opportunity to work on a team that feels like the perfect fit for her. It took her a while to find it and some commitment to hold out for the right gig - but it was out there. Perhaps next time - fear won't keep her or you from anticipating something better.

So, make a list of all of the benefits you receive from this job financially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Take out 4 pieces of paper and list as many things you can think of in each category. The work you did in Step 2 will be a good place to look to identify some of these payoffs.

Remember - you have what you are committed to getting. So, determine your current payoff and then you can move on to identifying what you truly want.