Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what one would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several (or many) years of work experience, but that work is not what they want to keep doing.
If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of preconceived notations you have about what the field is like - without getting the facts. Initially, just brainstorm and come up with a list.
Some people find it helps to complete some assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other strengths and preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. There are also assessments that will help to clarify your personal strengths/personality type or your values, as they relate to work.
Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can make progress.
Review the list of occupations you created from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. It is generally helpful to read some information about some of the potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do - now that you are grown up.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Do You Have A Spot In Your Background?
A spot in your work history can be caused by a variety of things - some innocent and some accurate information, in addition to some genuine problems. In general, the best thing to do about a spot in your work history is to recognize and acknowledge it for what it was. If you have a longer than average absence from the workforce, that will cause a spot on your employment history. If you have changed jobs more frequently than average, that will cause a spot on your employment record. If you were fired, that may be a spot. There are many, many things that can cause a spot or blemish in your employment history. If you are, or will be, conducting a job search, you should prepare for how you will respond to questions about the spot in your employment history.
Keep in mind, although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life - and the longer you have worked, the less likely that you would need to, but an employment application requires you to accurately list your complete employment history. In addition, you should be prepared to respond to questions about the blemish in your history in an employment interview. It is important to remember your best response is to be honest and straightforward as you explain briefly what happened. If appropriate, you may explain how things have changed so that the issue is no longer a problem or how it was eliminated, and return to the focus of the interview.
Many people find it helps to write out a response to possible questions about a problem area. The intent is not to memorize a statement, but to become comfortable with how you will explain what happened. It may help you to write out several possible responses to questions or try different responses on a tape recorder. You may not need to give a lot of details about what happened, but it is important to be able to respond to the questions of a potential employer in a direct manner. If you are uncomfortable with your response, it is more likely that they will be too. If you have a spot in your background, you may want to discuss your approach to it with a counselor who can help you sort it out and figure out an appropriate and comfortable approach to discussing the issue.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Keep in mind, although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life - and the longer you have worked, the less likely that you would need to, but an employment application requires you to accurately list your complete employment history. In addition, you should be prepared to respond to questions about the blemish in your history in an employment interview. It is important to remember your best response is to be honest and straightforward as you explain briefly what happened. If appropriate, you may explain how things have changed so that the issue is no longer a problem or how it was eliminated, and return to the focus of the interview.
Many people find it helps to write out a response to possible questions about a problem area. The intent is not to memorize a statement, but to become comfortable with how you will explain what happened. It may help you to write out several possible responses to questions or try different responses on a tape recorder. You may not need to give a lot of details about what happened, but it is important to be able to respond to the questions of a potential employer in a direct manner. If you are uncomfortable with your response, it is more likely that they will be too. If you have a spot in your background, you may want to discuss your approach to it with a counselor who can help you sort it out and figure out an appropriate and comfortable approach to discussing the issue.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Experiencing Loss
We often think of the grieving process as starting when we lose a loved one. This is certainly true, but we may also grieve other losses. Certainly we may grieve for the loss of a marriage if we get divorced, or the loss of a friendship if something or someone comes between you and a close fiend or relative. We experience other losses as we continue to mature and some of those transitions may also initiate a grieving period.
The loss of our status as a 'parent' may cause us to feel loss - when all the children are away in college or married. For some individuals, the loss of youth causes bouts of feeling blue or out of sorts. Similarly, the change in our standing or status in the church or community may cause us to grieve. Although all of those experiences may be planned for, and some celebrated, it does not mean that you may not experience feelings related to the change, the loss.
Additionally, the loss of a job, involuntarily or not, often causes us to grieve. This is a particularly difficult situation, because it generally comes at a time when we should be upbeat and actively planning our next career steps. Some people have the luxury of taking a little time off before starting a job search and that may allow them to more fully experience their loss and grieve that which is no more. But many people find they need to move into something as soon as possible and conducting a job search can be very hard on the individual in those circumstances.
Of course, just as people experience loss differently, they most likely react differently to their grief, as well. Not only that, but even the people who truly grieve the loss of their job may experience different accompanying feelings.
Often when we are going through the grieving process, it is not a continual state, so there may be periods when we are not immediately aware of our loss and feel almost 'normal.' Then something may happen that triggers our memory and we are reminded of our experiences. Over time, the period of feeling 'normal' should increase until it is only occasionally that you truly feel your loss. That is the wonderful thing about time, it can do wonders for the healing process. But it is important that we allow ourselves to grieve our losses and time to do so - it is a natural part of living.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
The loss of our status as a 'parent' may cause us to feel loss - when all the children are away in college or married. For some individuals, the loss of youth causes bouts of feeling blue or out of sorts. Similarly, the change in our standing or status in the church or community may cause us to grieve. Although all of those experiences may be planned for, and some celebrated, it does not mean that you may not experience feelings related to the change, the loss.
Additionally, the loss of a job, involuntarily or not, often causes us to grieve. This is a particularly difficult situation, because it generally comes at a time when we should be upbeat and actively planning our next career steps. Some people have the luxury of taking a little time off before starting a job search and that may allow them to more fully experience their loss and grieve that which is no more. But many people find they need to move into something as soon as possible and conducting a job search can be very hard on the individual in those circumstances.
Of course, just as people experience loss differently, they most likely react differently to their grief, as well. Not only that, but even the people who truly grieve the loss of their job may experience different accompanying feelings.
Often when we are going through the grieving process, it is not a continual state, so there may be periods when we are not immediately aware of our loss and feel almost 'normal.' Then something may happen that triggers our memory and we are reminded of our experiences. Over time, the period of feeling 'normal' should increase until it is only occasionally that you truly feel your loss. That is the wonderful thing about time, it can do wonders for the healing process. But it is important that we allow ourselves to grieve our losses and time to do so - it is a natural part of living.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Imagine What You Would Do
Imagine what you would do if you didn't have to work to make a living. That is, after you are tired or bored with sleeping until noon every day or whatever thoughts you have about using that free time. What would you do with your time if you could do whatever you wanted?
The answer(s) to that question offer clues to things you would enjoy as part of your work. If you are doing something you enjoy and would do by choice, then it doesn't feel as much like work. That is one reason why many career assessments are designed to help you identify your interests. So if you have not considered what you would spend time doing, I encourage you to do so. It is usually helpful to create a list without deciding if you possess the ability to do it first. Later you can narrow the list to meet any parameters/limitations that exist.
There are people who have generated some ideas about career directions that they had never considered just by doing some daydreaming. Others were reminded of some career dreams they had forgotten. Still others may recognize a recurring theme - occupations they had considered or thought about before but, for various reasons did not pursue. Whatever the results of your daydreams, you will probably be able to have a few career options to consider.
I encourage people I assist to do some reading to find out more about what is involved in a career before deciding whether or not to keep it on an active list. Once you have created a short list of potential occupations you are seriously considering, then I suggest you do some informational interviews. If you are not familiar with the term, I am referring to talking with people who are doing the kind of work you are interested in. Preferably the meeting would be at their place of work - this will give you (as the interviewer) an opportunity to ask some questions and learn more about that particular occupation or field. Conducting informational interviews can give you a better sense of what may be involved in that line of work to help you in deciding if that sounds like a good fit for you. But, it all starts with some healthy daydreaming!
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
The answer(s) to that question offer clues to things you would enjoy as part of your work. If you are doing something you enjoy and would do by choice, then it doesn't feel as much like work. That is one reason why many career assessments are designed to help you identify your interests. So if you have not considered what you would spend time doing, I encourage you to do so. It is usually helpful to create a list without deciding if you possess the ability to do it first. Later you can narrow the list to meet any parameters/limitations that exist.
There are people who have generated some ideas about career directions that they had never considered just by doing some daydreaming. Others were reminded of some career dreams they had forgotten. Still others may recognize a recurring theme - occupations they had considered or thought about before but, for various reasons did not pursue. Whatever the results of your daydreams, you will probably be able to have a few career options to consider.
I encourage people I assist to do some reading to find out more about what is involved in a career before deciding whether or not to keep it on an active list. Once you have created a short list of potential occupations you are seriously considering, then I suggest you do some informational interviews. If you are not familiar with the term, I am referring to talking with people who are doing the kind of work you are interested in. Preferably the meeting would be at their place of work - this will give you (as the interviewer) an opportunity to ask some questions and learn more about that particular occupation or field. Conducting informational interviews can give you a better sense of what may be involved in that line of work to help you in deciding if that sounds like a good fit for you. But, it all starts with some healthy daydreaming!
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Are You Hiding Some of Your Talents?
I have talked to a number of people who are considering a career change because their current work doesn't allow them to use enough of their talents. If you are a person who feels they are not using their talents in their work, but don't feel like now is the time to make a career change, there may be some other options for you to consider.
First of all, you do need to identify the talents you possess that you would like to be using. For example, are you a creative person working in a job that doesn't allow for any creativity? Or perhaps you have great communication skills which go unnoticed and unused. Whatever it is, you need to start by identifying what you would like to be doing differently. You should also think about ways in which you could use those talents.
Some people decide that there are ways they could use some of those untapped talents in their current job or at least with their current employer. In that case, they would need to consider how they could make a proposal to their employer to make the desired adjustments in their work. If that is your situation, you may wish to speak with your manager to discuss possible ways in which you could be more fulfilled and help the organization by using more of your talents. Some people find they have time to work at a part-time job that addresses some of their needs and could fill a void. In that way, their primary work situation does not change, but it gives them an opportunity to use some talents they are not using otherwise.
Other people determine that they should look for opportunities outside work to put their talents to good use. That may include volunteer activities through a church, social service agency, or other community organization. Volunteering doesn't necessarily have to be for a large number of hours, often it can be scheduled at times that fit your availability, and some activities could be done from your home. At any rate, volunteering could be a great way to utilize some of your otherwise untapped talents. That could bring benefits to you as well as to others and possibly your community.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions: including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
First of all, you do need to identify the talents you possess that you would like to be using. For example, are you a creative person working in a job that doesn't allow for any creativity? Or perhaps you have great communication skills which go unnoticed and unused. Whatever it is, you need to start by identifying what you would like to be doing differently. You should also think about ways in which you could use those talents.
Some people decide that there are ways they could use some of those untapped talents in their current job or at least with their current employer. In that case, they would need to consider how they could make a proposal to their employer to make the desired adjustments in their work. If that is your situation, you may wish to speak with your manager to discuss possible ways in which you could be more fulfilled and help the organization by using more of your talents. Some people find they have time to work at a part-time job that addresses some of their needs and could fill a void. In that way, their primary work situation does not change, but it gives them an opportunity to use some talents they are not using otherwise.
Other people determine that they should look for opportunities outside work to put their talents to good use. That may include volunteer activities through a church, social service agency, or other community organization. Volunteering doesn't necessarily have to be for a large number of hours, often it can be scheduled at times that fit your availability, and some activities could be done from your home. At any rate, volunteering could be a great way to utilize some of your otherwise untapped talents. That could bring benefits to you as well as to others and possibly your community.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions: including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Do You Need to Take a Step Back?
Not long ago I bought a little souvenir magnet that reads, "Step back and leap farther". When I look at it I smile because I am reminded of the many times I have done that. It is often not easy to take a step back and we may not be convinced that it will allow us to leap farther, but I encourage you to consider that as an option. So often we feel that we must continually be moving forward and upward to be considered successful. There are times when it may be more efficient and helpful to take a step back, or to the side, to get in position to be able to move forward - just as track athletes preparing for a high jump take a step back before they begin their run toward the bar.
If the path you are on does not seem to be getting you where you want to go, you may want to consider if you need to take a step back. Sometimes when I talk to people who are considering a new occupation, they indicate some reluctance to "start over" in a new field when they have gotten so far in their current area. In those instances, I encourage them to consider their options to determine if they really want to continue along their current path. Sometimes people who are relatively close to retirement decide their new direction can wait a few more years when the transition will be less complicated. Often people who are in mid-careers struggle with their options. "Starting over" in a new occupation, or even a new organization can mean a reduction of income and/or benefits. But it can also mean the start of a new, and often more rewarding, life. Only you can make those decisions.
In any case, I encourage my clients to think about what their real options are. If the current job is slowly eroding their self-confidence or contributing to poor health, is it really worthwhile to stay? Or would it be better in the long run to make a change in work? Sometimes by just reviewing why we work, we can become clearer on which factors are the most important after all.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or a job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
If the path you are on does not seem to be getting you where you want to go, you may want to consider if you need to take a step back. Sometimes when I talk to people who are considering a new occupation, they indicate some reluctance to "start over" in a new field when they have gotten so far in their current area. In those instances, I encourage them to consider their options to determine if they really want to continue along their current path. Sometimes people who are relatively close to retirement decide their new direction can wait a few more years when the transition will be less complicated. Often people who are in mid-careers struggle with their options. "Starting over" in a new occupation, or even a new organization can mean a reduction of income and/or benefits. But it can also mean the start of a new, and often more rewarding, life. Only you can make those decisions.
In any case, I encourage my clients to think about what their real options are. If the current job is slowly eroding their self-confidence or contributing to poor health, is it really worthwhile to stay? Or would it be better in the long run to make a change in work? Sometimes by just reviewing why we work, we can become clearer on which factors are the most important after all.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or a job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
National Career Development Day
The National Career Development Association celebrates National Career Development Month each year in November and Wednesday, November 19, 2008 is National Career Development Day this year. The theme for this year's celebration is "Inspire your career; develop your dream."
In today's world of great economic uncertainty, it could be fairly easy to lose sight of your dreams or to even remember to dream. Certainly we are about to go through some changes as a country and perhaps on a personal level, but one thing I would encourage you to do is to continue to dream. Many people are looking at working longer in life and, if there is something you have wanted to do, work wise, there probably are still opportunities to pursue some of those dreams.
So, whether you are 16 or 60, spend some quiet time dreaming about your career direction and how you would like things to be. Have you wanted to go back to school to study a particular subject, or prepare for a different career? Perhaps you have dreams of starting your own business. Maybe there is a totally new line of work that you would like to pursue. Whatever your dream entails, if that is what you want to achieve, try to create a plan that will allow you to take the steps necessary to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Once you have developed a plan in your mind, you need to write it down so that you can look at it, add or delete steps or actions as necessary.
The more clearly you can picture or visualize your dreams, the more clearly you can plan to achieve it. Include as many pieces as you can in developing your plan. If the steps you have developed are too large, break them down into smaller, manageable actions that you can achieve. Try to take some action every day, or at least each week, that will relate to your goals. Even if they are just small things, it will help you feel you are moving in the right direction if you accomplish something from your plan. As you begin to see some progress, that should help to keep you energized and working toward your goal.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
In today's world of great economic uncertainty, it could be fairly easy to lose sight of your dreams or to even remember to dream. Certainly we are about to go through some changes as a country and perhaps on a personal level, but one thing I would encourage you to do is to continue to dream. Many people are looking at working longer in life and, if there is something you have wanted to do, work wise, there probably are still opportunities to pursue some of those dreams.
So, whether you are 16 or 60, spend some quiet time dreaming about your career direction and how you would like things to be. Have you wanted to go back to school to study a particular subject, or prepare for a different career? Perhaps you have dreams of starting your own business. Maybe there is a totally new line of work that you would like to pursue. Whatever your dream entails, if that is what you want to achieve, try to create a plan that will allow you to take the steps necessary to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Once you have developed a plan in your mind, you need to write it down so that you can look at it, add or delete steps or actions as necessary.
The more clearly you can picture or visualize your dreams, the more clearly you can plan to achieve it. Include as many pieces as you can in developing your plan. If the steps you have developed are too large, break them down into smaller, manageable actions that you can achieve. Try to take some action every day, or at least each week, that will relate to your goals. Even if they are just small things, it will help you feel you are moving in the right direction if you accomplish something from your plan. As you begin to see some progress, that should help to keep you energized and working toward your goal.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Visit her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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