Unemployment gives the job seeker the opportunity to take the time to explore all career options. Do you continue with the traditional path and find a position similar to the one you just left or do you follow your secret passion. Guest Blogger Suzanne Delaney will help you explore alternate career paths over a series of articles written for NEJS.
By Suzanne Delaney, Career & Business Coach
When considering the age-old question “What should I do with my life?” it is most important to realize that ultimately the question is about your life – not just your career. So it is necessary to use existing, or develop new, life goals in order to answer this question. Determining what your life goals are is not easy. It requires true introspection and often intense conversations with your loved ones. Your ultimate objective in the process is to have a complete picture of what you want your life to look like in 3-5 years and what meaning you want your life to have had when you come to the end of its journey. Creating this picture is defining your dream.
Once you have defined your dream you can then explore what options have the potential to get you closer to that dream. Many people can get hung up at this point because of false perceptions and fear, so it is very important that you approach the process objectively. The best way to be able to do that is with the help of external parties. Friends who are not emotionally involved, a mentor, an associate, or a coach. All perceptions can change with additional information, so make sure you gather all of the information you can about each option, from as many sources as you can, constantly asking the question: will this help me achieve my goals? Once you are confident you have all the information it becomes easier to rule an option out or continue forward with it. When you have explored each one fully and are faced with two or three options to choose from you can again return to the goals you established to determine the best option.
The best way to gather your information is to talk to people who are familiar with the option you are exploring. Literary and internet research can be useful, but ultimately speaking with people who are involved in an industry or occupation and live it every day are the best source of information. They can answer your questions and provide you with their perceptions. If several people have the same perception it is more likely to be the correct perception – and you can also ask “Is there someone else I should talk to who doesn’t feel this way or who had a different experience?” You will find that fear and hesitation will dissipate as you gather more information.
This is certainly not an easy process. It can be emotionally draining and initially scary, so be sure to get support from your family and friends. But be resolute in your decision to find the best option and you will be rewarded in the end with a truly fulfilling life.
About Suzanne Delany
Suzanne helps individuals looking to become entrepreneurs by introducing them to a variety of franchise and similar system based business opportunities. She coaches them through the evaluation process to ensure they find the business that fits their goals, needs, and expectations. She also provides business coaching services to both franchise and independent businesses that are looking to strengthen or grow the value of their business through a proven process of awareness, education, and accountability.
