In today's world many people are experiencing more stresses on the job. There are many sources of this stress - actually too many to mention, but the stark reality of a potential involuntary job loss, is very high on the list these days. As companies continue to downsize and others consider 'right sizing' their employee base, many employees are concerned that they may be 'let go'. Dealing with that possibility can certainly contribute to stress.
Additionally, if an organization does execute staffing reductions, then some of those employees will become unemployed and that may become a stressful situation. In many cases, the employees who still remain with the company face the likelihood of being expected to get all of the work done with fewer resources - human and financial. This situation also may add to an employee's stress. And in many instances, the remaining employees may also be concerned that their jobs may be next to be cut. So they have additional stress that is typically not experienced by those whose jobs were already eliminated.
So if you are stressed out by your job, it is important for you to recognize that you are not alone. Just as importantly, you need to find ways to cope with that added stress. For some, keeping in mind that you are not alone in the situation can be helpful. You may wish to find ways to communicate with fellow employees in positive ways to provide emotional support for each other.
Some of the general suggestions for coping with stress include keeping physically active (exercise), getting sufficient rest and sleep, and eating a healthy diet. Beyond that, I encourage you to maintain a positive attitude, listen to motivational or positive messages or music, and read positive, uplifting materials. Don't forget to add some fun or joy to your day. You need to laugh on a regular basis. If you are a spiritual person, rely on your beliefs to give you strength. I also encourage you to try writing to express your feelings and relieve some anxiety.
[This topic will be continued in the next Web Log.]
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, designated as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has been working with adults in transition for over 20 years. She provides coaching and counseling with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and via telephone through Your Career Plan.
Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Celebrating Career Development Month 2009
Each Year November is designated as National Career Development Month by the National Career Development Association of the American Counseling Association. As a career counselor, I am proud to be a part of that celebration. Throughout the year I work with individuals and groups who are considering, or are in the midst of, making career decisions and plans. The planning process seems to be simpler for some and more complex for others, but always a worthwhile endeavor.
We know that even the term 'planning' is distasteful to some people and interesting to others. Some get excited as we make plans for something new, others really dread planning and the details that should accompany it.
When I started counseling, I would explain to my clients about the four steps in career planning - know yourself, learn more about the world of work, make a decision, and develop and implement your plans. We then gradually moved to referring to it as 'managing your career' and I now suggest a 6-step process - starting with the same four steps, but adding set up checkpoints (to check your progress) and repeat as needed. No matter how you refer to it, it is no longer a one-time process. These days people are changing jobs and careers much more frequently than we used to. So you may find that you need or want to make a career or job change in the near future. Think of it as being the manager of your career - the author and director of your play that is your life. Or create another analogy to help you think about the process. The steps are important, even if you only need to review the first one. If you find you could benefit from some guidance through the process, please don't hesitate to find a counselor who can provide the assistance you seek. I encourage you to expand your vision of your future!
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio, a Master Career Counselor (MCC) as designated by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience assisting adults in transition. She meets with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and via telephone through Your Career Plan.
Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
We know that even the term 'planning' is distasteful to some people and interesting to others. Some get excited as we make plans for something new, others really dread planning and the details that should accompany it.
When I started counseling, I would explain to my clients about the four steps in career planning - know yourself, learn more about the world of work, make a decision, and develop and implement your plans. We then gradually moved to referring to it as 'managing your career' and I now suggest a 6-step process - starting with the same four steps, but adding set up checkpoints (to check your progress) and repeat as needed. No matter how you refer to it, it is no longer a one-time process. These days people are changing jobs and careers much more frequently than we used to. So you may find that you need or want to make a career or job change in the near future. Think of it as being the manager of your career - the author and director of your play that is your life. Or create another analogy to help you think about the process. The steps are important, even if you only need to review the first one. If you find you could benefit from some guidance through the process, please don't hesitate to find a counselor who can provide the assistance you seek. I encourage you to expand your vision of your future!
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio, a Master Career Counselor (MCC) as designated by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor, and a Distance Credentialed Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience assisting adults in transition. She meets with individuals in person through Yager & Associates' Holistic Counseling Care of Cincinnati and via telephone through Your Career Plan.
Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com, call Mary Ann at (513) 665-4444 x3, or send an e-mail to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.