Career Coaching - Helping You Find the Career You Love

When it's time to make a career change, many people understandably get a little anxious. Change is scary! But if you're not careful, the fear of the unknown could keep you stuck where you are.

It's important to know it's okay to be fearful. In fact, the discomfort you're experiencing is actually a good sign because it means you're beginning to step outside your comfort zone.

Amidst the anxiety, you're probably also feeling some excitement. You're ready to make the change so let's get to it! Embrace that motivation -- tap into it because it will keep you moving forward.

Realize that changing careers is a process that generally takes time. (It took me about three years from leaving my full-time position to creating a full-time coaching practice.) Be patient -- not only with the process but with yourself as well. Don't rush into a decision about a new job just because you want things to be over with.

Always be alert to opportunities and ideas so you can follow up on them right away.

And most of all, take care of yourself. Don't let the stress of changing careers take its toll on your health, mental attitude, or relationships.

It's been said that 87% of Americans don't like their jobs.

This probably doesn't surprise you. How many times have you been at a party or out to dinner with friends when the conversation turns into one big gripe-fest on the most loathed aspects of your job? It's almost a contest to see who's got it the worst at work!

Since work is such a big part of life, it's not uncommon for it to sneak into our conversations. There's something about commiserating over all the hardships we endure that makes us feel connected with each other. It's somehow comforting to know that we're all in the same boat.

But what if we connected over how much we enjoyed our jobs instead? What would that be like?

Hard to imagine?

Believe it or not, when you're in a position that you thoroughly enjoy or in a career that you're passionate about ... you actually want to discuss the joys of what you do.

Let's explore what it takes to find that type of career.

First, take a deep breath. Yes, I'm serious! Right now ... take in a long, deep breath and let it out slowly. I want you relaxed because when you're tense, nothing flows -- your thoughts tend to be restrictive, limited, and self-defeating.

If you're like most people, your job is vitally important to you -- and the idea of changing careers can put knots in your stomach and totally stress you out.

So it's essential for you to release any tension you have and allow the process to flow. Breathe deeply and easily. Permit your mind to consider new possibilities. Remember: there are unlimited options out there and income can be achieved in so many creative and fulfilling ways!

Realize that you can do and be anything. As you feel yourself letting go of that nervous, negative energy, open up your mind to the new and exciting career possibilities that await you.

Next, acknowledge your career situation: how did you get where you are today? Is it possible to recreate that process and go in an entirely new direction? Of course it is!

Consider these questions:

What do you enjoy most about the work you do now? Think about the people, the environment, and your job responsibilities.

What are your interests and abilities? What are some of the things you like to do and do well?

What are your strengths? What are the areas of your life that people compliment you on?

What areas would you prefer to steer clear of in the future?

It's important that you answer these questions because your answers will guide you in your search for a new career.

Now that you've made this self-assessment, it's time to set some career goals and determine how best to prepare yourself for a change. It's important that you come up with a workable plan and a timeframe.

Your goals need to be tangible, measurable, realistic, and achievable. They need to stretch you beyond what you'd normally do in order to move forward.

Some examples of general goals might be:

Learn new skills

Set up a transitional financial plan

Contact others in your field of interest

Write a new resume

Then you need to break down each of these into sub-goals and set timelines. For example, you may set 6 months as the amount of time you allow yourself to learn a new skill.

Of course, the most important step is to 'work the plan.' Setting goals in one thing, but if you don't put action behind them, you're already on the road to defeat.

One thing that will help you to keep moving forward in your career change is to be sure you have plenty of support. Family and friends may not understand your need for change, and coworkers may even be a little jealous.

Here are some sources of support you may want to consider:

A Career Coach -- A coach can offer expert advice, an objective viewpoint, positive encouragement, and keep you accountable to your goals. Visit my website.

Career Networks -- Participate in career-focused online forums (do a Google search). Attend networking events in your local community. Seek out professionals who work in the field you would like to pursue.

Career-Focused Teleclasses -- This is an ideal way to find like-minded people to commiserate with, share experiences with, and bounce ideas off of. You may even virtually meet a friend who totally understands what you're going through and the two of you can support each other.

A Mentor -- Is there someone in your life that you admire who seems to be living an amazingly full and satisfying life and career? Why not ask for advice and guidance from this person? Most people are more than happy to share what they have learned.

It's so important to feel like you have someone who understands what you're going through during the sometimes unpredictable, yet exhilarating, career transition time.