In many ways, the question at the top of this month’s newsletter is a complex question. When I actually typed it out and saw it on my computer screen in front of me, my first reaction was to say, “Do an assessment of who you are and the things you enjoy doing.” Assessment is a large part of the coaching process I introduce to the people with whom I work. I am currently an affiliate for a Values Based Assessment that helps those who take it see themselves from multiple different perspectives in terms of what drives them, and frankly what may be in conflict for them at the moment.

However, I have internally found 2022 to be a year of conflict for me as I have progressed through it. I have been a Career Coach who while having my own business and having clients come to me directly, relied heavily on being a contractor for first two and then three different outsourcing firms. And, while still affiliated with all those organizations, their business models have been impacted by the changing way of the world of work. As such, client engagements are not as frequent or as long. The organizations that work with the outsourcing groups are looking for services that are less expensive and frankly more “online fast solution focused,” then the search-based process approach on which I have been trained.

One could easily begin to resent the changing world around them.  However, that is not going to change anything directly. On the other hand, down deep one knows they have tools, skills and methodologies that have frankly worked through all generations and trends. As I often say to my clients “The tools that are used as part of the job search process may change, but the fundamental methods have worked for a long time and continue to work.” For example, networking and directly connecting and contacting perspective hiring companies, will beat the online posting into a vast sea of uncertainty, any time.

In our opening, I was alluding to some of the things that I feel are right for me, and ones that are draining me.  And, they all start with “how I feel” after doing them. As I indicated, I can feel my energy rise and me be entirely into the process when working with a client who is looking to gain insight on job search methods and approaches that may work for them. That energy goes up even further when we discuss a particular company they are pursuing, interviews they have been having and the feedback they are receiving from them. Building on strategies to keep that process moving forward is part of what my training and processes are all about. And, often when that session is over, I actually feel myself physically drained.  However, it is a good draining feeling. I feel I have given everything I can to that client and situation at hand.

On the other hand, the items that are part of my life, whether they be directly related to the work that I do, the organizations of which I am a part which are part of my professional development or even the items in my personal life over which I have angst, bring a completely different feeling into my life. They cause frustration from the time I get up in the morning. There is a questioning of why am I actually even doing this activity or task. As I get older and my needs are evolving, changing or no longer focused on what they may have been even say 2 to 5 years ago, I question things even further. Often, I find myself contemplating on those negative items all day, or even when I lay in bed at night. Given that I am at a time of life where I have completed most of my work life, it causes me to question even more so.

What about you? Where are you in terms of doing those items that are right for you be it in your professional career or personal life? Do you have someone with which to share your thoughts? Do you even know what aspects of what you do that you enjoy and the ones that cause you angst? Are you open to assessing what may be happening? Do you feel you know what is happening, but need help in putting together a plan to move yourself forward?

Remember it all starts with the question, “What Is Right for You?” Only from there can you move to the next steps which will help to change the situation for you.

September 2022 - Closing Thoughts