Expand Your Vision of Your Future

Why do I encourage you to expand your vision of your future? Because so often when people think about a job change, so many of them think that since they have done a particular type of work for years, that is the only kind of work they can do in the future. Other people believe they cannot compete for certain jobs because they do not have experience in that specific type of work. Still others believe they have few work related skills because they have been homemakers or otherwise have little experience in the world of work. Others just figure there is nothing else they could do. If you have thought that your only change could be just the same kind of work with a different employer, I encourage you to expand your vision of your future. Career research indicates most people will work in more than 5 or 6, as many as 9 or 10, different jobs during their lifetime. So career change is the rule these days, not the exception. It is important that career changers expand their vision of their future so they increase the career options they consider. Some people have not made a real decision about their career direction, but just "fell into" something. Many people made their career decisions based on very limited information, such as what their parents or other family members did or people they saw on television. There are thousands and thousands of job titles and new jobs are being created all the time. So, you may need to expand your thinking to avoid eliminating potential career options that may be a good fit for you. If you are a person who has stayed in the same job for years because it is "comfortable", you should not let a fear of limited possibilities, or a dislike or fear of change keep you form pursuing something different. If you are someone who thinks work is intended to be difficult and should not be satisfying, it is possible to enjoy your work. If you are staying with a company just because of your years of service, you may find there are alternatives that would be more satisfying for you. The other reality is that jobs are not guaranteed and there is often little to prevent your employer from deciding your services, or that of your work unit, are no longer needed. Many people are working much longer and are selecting occupations they would not have thought possible previously. We typically spend so much of our lives working that if we could do work that is satisfying and enjoyable, that positively impacts other ares of our lives too. Expand your visions of your future and look for ways to turn that picture into reality. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is recognized as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

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