Many of the people that I have talked to recently who are facing or are in the midst of an involuntary job change admit that they have mixed emotions about their situation. On the one hand, they often have disliked their work for a while, but just stayed with it. On the other hand, they are also very scared because of what the transition means. For many people, a job change is a significant event and even when the original job was no longer a satisfying one, it can still be a hard change to cope with.
If you are making an involuntary job change, there are a few things I would encourage you to keep in mind. The first is that such a forced change can cause an unexpected emotional upheaval or roller coaster. Just the uncertainty of what will come often brings an unsettled feeling. Beyond the obvious financial concerns, a significant aspect of our sense of self may be shaken. You may wonder - 'Who am I if I am not doing ______ work?' 'How do I greet people who ask, "What do you do?" or 'Who will hire me at this age?' These can be very challenging questions to consider.
I would encourage you to remember there are other questions you can consider in these circumstances. For example, 'What can I do now that I have this opportunity to redirect my life?' or 'What did I want to do when I was younger that I haven't done?' or 'What dreams have emerged at this stage of my life?' Although these can also be 'scary' questions, they can lead to more productive thinking. Involuntary, and voluntary, job losses can be complicated transitions to cope with and many people need external supports to assist them in working through the transition. There is no shame in seeking the help you need.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email message to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
What Is Keeping You From Following Your Dream?
As I meet with people I sometimes ask if they have 'dreamed of' becoming something or doing something that they have not yet done. Often the answer is 'yes', followed by a sigh or a chuckle. Other people seem to feel they don't even remember their 'dream job'. If you fall into either of those categories, my question to you is: What is keeping you from following your dreams?
Now, some people admit their last 'dream job' or 'dream activity' was so long ago that it is no longer appropriate. So you may want to disregard those dreams. But think about those other things you wanted to do. I encourage you to make a list of those dreams. Spend some time thinking, then writing them down, then dreaming some more. Come up with your new (or old) list of dreams.
Once you have created your list, then you can go through it to see if there are any dreams that fit together or could be combined. Some people prioritize their list so they can determine where to start. Wherever you want to start, start with a blank sheet of paper and across the top write out one of your dreams. Then start writing down things you would need to do to make that dream a reality. On a separate sheet of paper, write down any obstacles that may keep you from achieving your dreams. For each item you list as an obstacle, see if you can identify ways around it, through it, or over it. If you need some help with that part, you may want to ask some friends to brainstorm with you. The idea is to figure out how you can actualize your dreams and be prepared for any obtacles that may try to prevent it.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email message to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Now, some people admit their last 'dream job' or 'dream activity' was so long ago that it is no longer appropriate. So you may want to disregard those dreams. But think about those other things you wanted to do. I encourage you to make a list of those dreams. Spend some time thinking, then writing them down, then dreaming some more. Come up with your new (or old) list of dreams.
Once you have created your list, then you can go through it to see if there are any dreams that fit together or could be combined. Some people prioritize their list so they can determine where to start. Wherever you want to start, start with a blank sheet of paper and across the top write out one of your dreams. Then start writing down things you would need to do to make that dream a reality. On a separate sheet of paper, write down any obstacles that may keep you from achieving your dreams. For each item you list as an obstacle, see if you can identify ways around it, through it, or over it. If you need some help with that part, you may want to ask some friends to brainstorm with you. The idea is to figure out how you can actualize your dreams and be prepared for any obtacles that may try to prevent it.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email message to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Planning to graduate? Prepare now for a job search
If you are completing your education and planning to graduate soon, it is not too early to begin preparations for a job search. Obviously, you need to have at least a basic version of your resume and a draft of a cover letter. You can then adjust both documents based on the job you are interested in/applying for. You should be contacting people to serve as references for you. You will need to create a list of references with their contact information.
In addition to the written preparations, you should also think about your wardrobe. You will need a decent suit to wear to interviews and a few different shirts or blouses to wear with your suit. Although a strict business suit may not be required, you should be able to dress a little better than you would if you were already working where you have an interview. Women should wear a conservative blouse - so that it is not too revealing. Your jewelry should be modest, if you wear jewelry. Men should have a nice shirt and tie that is not too wild. Of course you need a nice pair of shoes that are polished. You should plan to wear shoes that are not too flashy and are comfortable to walk in.
Unless you need to carry samples of your work, e.g. for design or art students, you would not necessarily need a briefcase, although that can be a nice touch. You do need a portfolio type notebook where you can write your questions and other information you need for the interview and carry an extra copy of your resume, your work history, reference sheet, etc. It should also include pens and blank paper in case you want to write something down.
As you get closer to interview time, you will want to check your personal appearance. Some of the haircuts and hair dos worn today may not be appropriate for a working professional. If you have body parts pierced or tattoos, you should consider whether it is appropriate to have those visible during an interview. You should also typically limit yourself to no more than one pair of earrings.
The idea is that you should present yourself to potential employers as a capable, competent professional - as if you were already working in your desired field. Some smaller companies have a more relaxed work environment than many large corporations, but you are generally better off to go conservative. It is usually better to be a little overdressed than to appear too casual in an interview. Of course, there are some exceptions - depending on the industry in which you will be interviewing, but for the most part, it is better to take a conservative approach.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). 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.
In addition to the written preparations, you should also think about your wardrobe. You will need a decent suit to wear to interviews and a few different shirts or blouses to wear with your suit. Although a strict business suit may not be required, you should be able to dress a little better than you would if you were already working where you have an interview. Women should wear a conservative blouse - so that it is not too revealing. Your jewelry should be modest, if you wear jewelry. Men should have a nice shirt and tie that is not too wild. Of course you need a nice pair of shoes that are polished. You should plan to wear shoes that are not too flashy and are comfortable to walk in.
Unless you need to carry samples of your work, e.g. for design or art students, you would not necessarily need a briefcase, although that can be a nice touch. You do need a portfolio type notebook where you can write your questions and other information you need for the interview and carry an extra copy of your resume, your work history, reference sheet, etc. It should also include pens and blank paper in case you want to write something down.
As you get closer to interview time, you will want to check your personal appearance. Some of the haircuts and hair dos worn today may not be appropriate for a working professional. If you have body parts pierced or tattoos, you should consider whether it is appropriate to have those visible during an interview. You should also typically limit yourself to no more than one pair of earrings.
The idea is that you should present yourself to potential employers as a capable, competent professional - as if you were already working in your desired field. Some smaller companies have a more relaxed work environment than many large corporations, but you are generally better off to go conservative. It is usually better to be a little overdressed than to appear too casual in an interview. Of course, there are some exceptions - depending on the industry in which you will be interviewing, but for the most part, it is better to take a conservative approach.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). 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.