I
wanted to introduce myself and the purpose of this new blog. My name is Dr. Tom Denham and I have been a
career counselor for over 20 years.
Since so many people are in transition now, I have decided to write this
blog as an informational resource for everyone interested in their own or
others career development. Today, I will give you some helpful tips about the career development process. In the future I hope you will send me your
questions and I can get you the answers to move you forward. I am looking forward to being your career
partner so that 2011 and beyond can be a toll total success for you. Here we go…
If
you’re feeling like your job just isn’t doing it for you anymore, you’re not
alone. For many people, it’s because they are not doing work they feel passionate
about, or because they get so busy making a living they forget to make a
life. Finding work that has purpose and
meaning is critical to a satisfying and successful career. Finding your passion
is an important part of the 3-step career development process: 1) self-assessment, 2) career exploration,
and 3) job search or education/training.
A
strong foundation of self-assessment must be established early in the career
development process. Unfortunately, many
people think the answer to finding career satisfaction is to change jobs. These
people usually wind up unhappy in another job or a career that is not congruent
with who they really are. Avoid making
poor career choices because you lack self-awareness, and don’t spend more time
planning your summer vacation than planning for your career.
If
you are searching for a more satisfying career, make a commitment to begin a
deliberate process of self-assessment. This is not easy and cannot be done
overnight. Start by reading a good career development book as part of your
self-assessment research. You will find a Recommended Reading List at www.CareersInTransitionLLC.com. Consider consulting with a career counselor
that is qualified to administer and interpret career tests to more thoroughly
evaluate your skills, values, and interests and zero in on the passions that
will lead you to possible career options.
From there you can move into career exploration and job search.
Since
we spend more time at work than in any other aspect of our lives, finding our
passion is the most important, neglected and difficult tasks in adulthood. People who find themselves in unsatisfying
roles are often there because they never set out to discover and catalog their
personality profile. A clear purpose and
direction derive from an organized personal plan. Once your career plan is
developed be sure to review it periodically, revise it as necessary, and
recommit to it frequently. Finding a
career that you are passionate about requires preparation and sacrifice, but it
is entirely possible with the right tools, perseverance, and guidance.
I
welcome your career questions.
Keep
Climbing,
Dr.
Tom
Copyright 2011, Dr. Thomas J. Denham, Careers In Transition LLC – Albany.com Blog – Friday, January 7, 2011
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