Get Your Support System in Place for Your Career Change
Have you ever said: “I’ve got to get out of this job and do something else!” Many people stay locked in jobs that bring them no joy, no fulfillment, but they stay because they feel they must. Perhaps they are waiting for the children to finish college, the economy to change, or chance to show its hand. The time to plot your escape is NOW!
Start by getting the framework into place so that as you go through the process of changing your career, you have support to keep you going.
Frustrations and loosing your motivation while you are going through a career change are typical emotions, and it is definitely something that will have to be acknowledged and worked through. If you do not honor your natural feelings about change, eventually you will hold yourself back.
As you are going through this unsettled time of career change, it is important to develop a good support system. While sometimes it may seem like it, you are not alone. Many of the people you know will be part of your systems. Additionally there are professionals, such as coaches and consultants, as well as agencies in your area.
Create a support matrix for yourself. Not every person or agency will be a good advocate for your every need. Let’s face it, sometimes it’s easier to talk to your buddy about a frustration than it is with your close partner. Likewise, you will probably get better career advice from a professional than you would from your teenage daughter.
Make a list of those around you who advocate your efforts. List spouses/partners, friends, colleagues, former employers, etc. Also look at some professional support. These may include, your coach, a counselor, your doctor, and others.
Now we will identify where you believe each will supply the best support to you and make note of this next to their name. For instance, your brother works as a department head of his company and often interview people. He would be a good resource to support you and give advice when you are meeting people and interviewing. Your significant other believes that you can do anything and wants you to be happy. This would be an appropriate person to help motivate you and give you overall encouragement.
You can then use this list to let those around you know what type of encouragement you will be needing from them. People are always willing to help, and both you and others will benefit when they know what you expect from them.
Finally, be sure you appreciate their support and let them know it!
As always, your comments on this blog are appreciated! For more thoughts and insights, sign up for my weekly e-zine “Path Light” by visiting: www.clearpathway.com and opt in.
Lesley V. Ingves
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