Step One: Take Charge.
Do something. Anything at all. As Nike says, “just do it”. A majority of people that are unhappy with their career do nothing. This is no way to live your life. “I should have done this a long time ago” is what I hear often after an initial career counseling session. Part of the success […]
Your Career Is Your Life. Don’t Settle for Mediocrity
Michael walked in for our counseling session. He was visibly nervous. He apologized for being late (only by about two minutes); for being a mess (it was storming outside); and for not printing out his resume (which I already had in my email). Mike described his job. His boss was demanding and C-level management was even […]
Wait…I Can Be Happy at Work?
Work is called “work” for a reason. It has never meant to be fun or enjoyable. The history of work for most of humankind can exemplify this statement. Dating all the way back to the very first form of work, from hunter gatherer societies to the reign of Julius Caesar in ancient Rome, common people […]
Should You Be Pursuing a New Career?
In the past 6 months I’ve had multiple career counseling sessions with Cheryl. Cheryl has a good job. Her salary is $120,000, she has a solid position, and her job and industry are both secure. Her commute is 25 minutes, she works reasonable hours, and the boss is fine. However, she doesn’t really like her […]
The Wonderful New World of Work
Sometimes I stay silent about my work world. Why? I’m with people my age who are usually complaining about their jobs. They are locked into the traditional work world of big organizations. They are immersed in office politicing, title striving, and, budget worrying. They discuss the “fires” they put out or use terms like “battle” […]
Career Risk – Staying Has More Risk Than Leaving
“I despise my job.” As a career coach, I hear is phrase a lot. I also hear: “I’m thinking of doing something else but at the end of the day I do not want to take the risk and leave my secure job.” It is very common for people to be highly focused on […]
Find Where the Marketplace Can Meet Your Passion
“I have a passion for…” I hear this a great deal from my career counseling clients. I hear you. I made the radical switch from corporate lawyer in Washington, DC to education-entrepreneur in small town Connecticut. It is possible to love your job. It can happen. I love my work. I know many others who […]
Exploratory Career Work
I remember how work affected my capacity to fully enjoy the weekend. Saturdays fine for the most part. Sunday nights would give me anxiety and or stress. These flashes of worry would turn into sitting feelings of apathy and dread by Monday. There was only one thing that could put me in a better mood […]
“What You Want to Do” Must Be Decided Before “Where You Want to Get”
“I want a flexible job.” said a working mother from Madison, CT. “I want to actually like what I do for work.” a young 24 year old from Fairfield, CT wrote. “I want… I want… I want…” I understand and empathize with this mindset. I’m not implying that my career counseling clients who voice their […]
Worried About Your Career Unhappiness? Do Something About It!
I love my work, and in some cases my clients can clearly see that. More than a few have expressed envy for this. ”I wish I could be happy at work. I am anxious or stressed nearly every day, not knowing what I am going to do for my career.” I too have experienced this feeling. […]