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Facing a Career Change?
by Mary Meidinger, M.Ed., LPC
As if life hasn't presented you with enough challenges recently, you may suddenly be facing the reality of having to find or change your job. Over the next few articles we're going to explain how to learn more about yourself and your relationship to work, career, and avocation.
If you're lucky, you have enough security and time to do some exploration and planning before you make a job decision. If the wolf is already on his way to your door, give yourself permission right now to take a transition job that will address your financial needs while you continue your journey toward a more satisfying work life.
As you start this process, the single most helpful thing you can do is to allow yourself to begin to think "out of the box." In other words, when doing the activities and exercises in the months to follow don't limit yourself by feeling you have to approach work and work related activities as others do or even as you have in the past.
Are you in the habit of journaling? Whether you are or not, now is the time to start a new journal for the specific purpose of keeping track of your thoughts and discoveries about yourself and your approach to job hunting and work.
Your assignment this month is quite simple. Open your journal and write anytime you hear or read about a job or career that sounds interesting to you. Expand your list by reading the newspaper and paying attention to what captures your interest. Think back to when you were young and had not yet learned to limit yourself with shoulds and have tos. What did you think you'd be doing with your life when you were 10,12,15? Below each job entry in your journal make a list of the reasons this job or career appeals to you. Do not censor yourself! This is an exploration, not a decision process at this time.
REMEMBER! There is always opportunity in change. I know, I know, that sounds like the old "when life hands you a lemon..." bromide. However, it is important to approach this stage of your life with as much optimism as you can muster. Enjoy a month of thinking in possibilities. Don't forget to allow yourself the occasional daydream.
~ April 2000
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