Transitions Career Development Program

Goal Setting

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:20:00 -0800

When I’m asked about Goal Setting, I like to talk about it in terms of the big picture. If I don’t have clear goals – long term goals broken down into short term steps – then I won’t have any idea of what’s important to do on a day to day basis.

One book I like to refer to is called “Going The Distance” by Rick Hanson & Joan Laub. Rick Hanson achieved his dream of a world tour in his wheelchair. The book outlines his understanding of what it took to make the tour happen – and what it took to actually complete it as well. As he describes the theory of goal setting and achievement, he inserts stories of his own experience on the tour. It’s very inspirational.

Here are the basic steps that he outlines in the book for Goal Setting and Personal Change:

1) Set your goal: identify a meaningful personal goal – something that you can get excited about or has true personal meaning.

2) Cultivate your personal vision: create a clear visualization of what it would be like if you achieved the goal.

3) Plan to reach the goal: design a realistic plan broken down into small achievable steps.

4) Taking Risks: whenever we try something new we’re taking a risk. Get support if you need it.

5) Embrace the feelings: as you get started, powerful feelings will arise – both positive and discouraging. Find constructive ways to express these feelings rather than ignoring them.

6) Actively strive: If your goal is truly challenging, then it won’t be easy (that’s why all of the planning!). You will face obstacles and will need to push through or find alternative routes.

7) Experience success: When you make it to the goal, make an event of it – reward yourself, make it memorable. The memory of this feeling will help keep you going on your way to your next goal.

It’s hard to achieve goals alone because we so easily get distracted or discouraged. Get together with friends, hire a personal success coach, or if unemployed, join a free career planning program (with a goal setting component) in the community.

New BC Salary Info

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:31:00 -0800

Great news! New wage information for BC is now available online. Approximately three thousand businesses across British Columbia participated in a BC Wage and Salary Survey in the spring and summer of 2009, and the results are now available on the BC Stats website at http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/lss/labour/wage/ .

The survey provides up-to-date wage and salary information that will enable employers and job seekers to make informed career and wage rate decisions. In B.C.’s three largest economic regions (Vancouver Island/Coast, Mainland/Southwest, and Thompson/Okanagan), the top 100 occupations were targeted.

The survey provides information on: part-time and full-time wages; hours of work; vacancy rates for 121 of the province’s most common occupations; and which positions employers are having challenges filling

The ten most highly paid occupations surveyed all required significant skills and experience – some were management positions, and others required a university degree or equivalent:

$68.99 University Professors

$57.54 Senior Managers - Financial, Communications, Business Services

$38.86 Financial Managers

$37.46 Civil Engineers

$36.59 Registered Nurses

$35.80 Insurance, Real Estate, Financial, Brokerage Managers

$35.67 Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers

$35.48 Senior Managers - Production, Utilities, Transport and Construct.

$35.02 Software Engineers and Designers

$34.61 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Mgmnt

The site will help you make wise career decisions and give you information helpful in your job search. If you need additional help in your career planning, call my office for information.

Call Today for Career Help

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:21:00 -0800

The Transitions Program (www.transitionsprogram.ca), my company’s government funded career planning program, provides a holistic, creative and practical approach to helping individuals make empowered decisions about their career futures.

One key to our success is that all of our program facilitators are skilled career coaches. They are not only trained and experienced in career counselling strategies and techniques but have personally experienced their own career losses, changes and transitions. This personal experience helps them to be ‘real’, and to connect with those currently in transition.

As for myself, after earning a business degree and establishing a career in sales and marketing, I experienced burnout and a personal melt-down when I found that the work did not fit with my personal style, preferences or deeper values. It was only after a series of short-lived jobs and attempts at a career shift, that, through persistence and questioning, I connected with the employment and career counselling field. As I developed our career transitions program, I knew that I could help others experiencing career confusion, and committed from the start to addressing both career decision making issues as well as the effects of personal life transitions. The success of our program is a testament to people's need to 'be real' in a safe and supportive environment, where they can plan their lives and build successful career futures based on their values, interests, personality preferences, life circumstances and opportunities.

If you are in a state of CAREER CONFUSION and are unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours per week), let us help! Call 604-568-4176 (our location at Lougheed Highway at Gilmore) today to register for an information session. We have a program starting every month at each of our three offices located in Burnaby and Vancouver and all are easily accessible by transit. The program is fully funded by the government, meaning there is no cost to you.

Finding Your Passion

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:31:00 -0800

I just finished reading Ken Robinson's book: The Element - How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. In this time of employment volatility, it would seem to be a luxury to play with the idea of finding one's passion. However, I think it's a perfect time to get at what's really important and desirable for ourselves. As Robinson says, “Too many people never connect with their true talents and therefore don't know what they're really capable of achieving.”

The Element represents the place where our passion intersects with our aptitude. According to Robinson, "When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves, most inspired and achieve at their highest levels." Robinson draws on the stories of people who are in their Element, people such as Matt Groening, Paul McCartney and Sir Richard Branson.

Some of the qualities and commonalities that these people demonstrate is a passion for something, such as storytelling, music, or business. They didn't necessarily get any reinforcement for their interests or talents while in school, and had to break away from the traditional constraints, conditioning and status quo in order to actualize their passions. Educators, family and friends around them did not always see or encourage them to go for their dreams. In some cases, they were actually advised not to, because they either weren't smart or talented enough, or their passion was not a 'real career'.

It's important to try everything until you tap into your passion and aptitudes. I have tried many things, and now it has led me to my passion. I had an aptitude for helping people and being resourceful, but I had to really work on other skills, such as facilitating. Public speaking did not come naturally for me, and criticism and fears diminished my confidence even further. However, I worked hard to develop this skill because I had to actualize my passion to share personal development tools.

According to Robinson, and in my opinion also, we all have something we are drawn toward naturally, we just need to find a way to work that interest into our life or career in some way. The Element is so critical for people to feel connected to a talent and desire, to go deep into themselves, and to produce something of meaning.

For help finding the work you love, call Transitions Career & Business Consultants, coordinators of The Transitions Program, a free 3 week career exploration program available to all unemployed people at 604-434-1177, 604-681-2774 , or 604-568-4176.

Hard times call for smart moves

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:57:00 -0800

It’s been all over the news – lay-offs, industries in decline, and a lingering recession. It’s not time to panic, but to plan your career and act strategically. BC’s growth sectors will still include Health Care, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services/Professions, Management and Supervisors in all sectors, Educational Services, Transportation and Warehousing, and Information, Culture and Recreation to name a few. Hospitality and Tourism, while affected by the economy too, will continue to have strong periods as the Olympics approach and BC’s profile is increased world-wide. No matter what sector you’re in, the key is having a broad range of valued skills, both those specific to your job as well as transferable skills in managing, leadership and technology. Emerging careers in alternative health, the environment, etc., will also provide new opportunities over the next decade.

One great way to research your career and education options is the annual Education & Career Fair (www.educationcareerfairs.com) the largest career and education planning event in BC. With exhibits in a trade show format, career theme areas plus free career seminars, the fair is designed to help attendees explore and plan new career paths. The fair includes exhibits from universities, colleges, employers, private training institutions, government, corporations and industry associations.

Vancouver Education & Career Fair - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Science World at Telus World of Science
1455 Quebec Street
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

For free tickets to this year’s fair, simply call my office at 604-434-1177 to request up to two tickets for you, your friends, or family. Please note that tickets will be available for pick-up from 203-3665 Kingsway (at Boundary) on Monday, January 11th between 2:30pm-4:00pm only. Exploring your options is a smart move in uncertain times!

Asking yourself powerful questions

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:07:00 -0800

I have to admit, I really wasn't ready for a new year to begin, as I feel like I still haven't completed projects, commitments and goals for 2009. My how time flies!

Even though I am goal oriented, I do not equate goals or commitments with New Year's resolutions. Those seem empty to me. However, the New Year - the ending of one calendar year and the beginning of another - does seem like a good opportunity to reflect on the past year and set up some dreams and commitments for the coming year.

I have found that by asking myself some deep, honest questions, I learn more about myself and my place in the world, and what I need and desire. These questions also help me explore and identify more of what I want to celebrate, overcome, develop, acquire or let go of in the coming year.

Consider asking yourself the following powerful questions as well.

What have I learned? What person or world event touched me? Who came into my life and who left it - how and why? What new adventures did I experience? What lessons did I learn? What challenges did I overcome? What challenges did I not overcome? What successes did I have? Who around me also had challenges and successes? How did they manage or embrace them? Have I been an honest and compassionate person? Have I honoured my values? Have I been working on my development? Have I contributed to others' growth and happiness? Is there something I didn't do or complete? Why? Do I have any regrets? Have I made any new discoveries? Am I happy with who I am; where I am; who I'm with and what I have? If not, why, and what am I prepared to do about it?

If you have identified from these self-reflective questions that you are unfulfilled in your life or work, then consider talking to a coach about making a change.

Living with purpose

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:06:00 -0800

Happy holidays and happy New Year! I’ m always amazed at just how much can happen in one year; the people, the projects, the fun, the challenges, the opportunities (both taken and missed) and as usual, a huge list of “to-do’s” that I didn’t get to this time around.

As you look to the coming year, I encourage you to consider what’s important to you and develop a vision for what you would like the New Year to look like, with a set of realistic goals to help you get there.

In his classic book “First Things First”, Steven Covey describes a useful goal and priority setting model. Split a piece of paper into 3 columns. Title the left column “Roles” and list your various life roles: parent, spouse/partner, family member, job/career/business, self/personal care, hobbies/ interests/ volunteering, etc. Title the middle column “Goals” and for each role, create goals based on what you would like to accomplish over the next year. In the third column on the right, break down those goals into the tasks or “to-do’s” required to fulfill those goals. For example, if in your job/career role you set a goal of preparing for a promotion, your tasks could include talking to your employer, checking out courses, or studying the latest leadership books. If you’re a parent and your goal is to build your connection with your kids, then your task could be to set a minimum number of hours or times per week that you spend in activities just focused on them, and list some things you could do.

This is the kind of work that a life coach would support you in. So try it yourself and if you get stuck, perhaps look at hiring a coach or taking a personal development class in the New Year. One area that people often put off to the New Year is career planning. If you are currently unemployed, why not start off the New Year by taking a career or job search program to jump start your efforts. If you’re employed and unhappy, or are concerned about whether the latest economic challenges may affect you, hire a career coach to help you build a strategy for success. Call my office at 604-434-1177 for more information.

Holiday job search myths

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:34:00 -0800

With all the hustle & bustle of the holidays many people decide to take a vacation from job hunting in December. The temptation is understandable, especially if you’ve been searching for a job for an extended period during the recession. Before you give into temptation, consider the top two holiday job myths below:

1. No one is hiring in December

Might as well wait until the New Year right? Wrong! December is the busiest month for many businesses, especially the retail sector. As the economy re-bounds many companies are hiring to manage the seasonal increase in business; balance staff cuts made during “leaner” months earlier in the year; or cover vacation time of existing staff.

In addition, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics are less than 65 days away and countless companies are hiring people now in preparation. Visit the website of companies with Olympic contract to uncover job opportunities. For example, staff hired by Contemporary Security Canada will represent 10 per cent of the overall Olympic Games workforce.

No hiring decision makers are available over the holidays.

Hiring decision makers may not be at their desks over the holidays, but that doesn’t mean they are inaccessible. Many hiring managers - and people connected to them - will be at holiday events. December is filled with opportunities to collect job leads and build your connections.

In addition, some hiring decision makers will be working over the holidays. As mentioned above, the Olympics are less than 65 days away and many companies are on tight deadlines to finish their hiring. If you are available for interviews between Christmas and New Year’s you may benefit from less job competition.

I encourage you to consider the myths above before removing yourself from the job market in December. I also encourage you to consider the benefits of short-term or seasonal work. Every new job is an opportunity to gain experience, expand your network, and showcase your skills to a new employer.

Please call Transitions Career & Business Consultants at 604-434-1177 for information about our free three week career exploration program for unemployed people.

BC’s Best Employers

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:37:00 -0800

The 2009 list of The Best Companies to Work for in B.C. has just been published in the most recent issue of BC Business Magazine (www.bcbusinessonline.ca). The list and related articles are great resources if you’re looking for a great place to work, or examples of what a great place to work has to offer.

BC Business Magazine compiled the list with its survey partner the MindField Group, based on questionnaires completed by employers and employees of BC companies who volunteered to take part. The survey measured four key areas of employee/talent management: talent systems, employee engagement, leadership dynamics and organizational culture. The top rated companies were then separated into two categories based on their size. Here are the winners:

Top Co’s:

fewer than 100 employees

1. Strangeloop Networks Inc.

2. CityMax.com

(Mezine Inc.)

3. Kryton International Inc.

4. Summerland & District Credit Union

5. Chemistry Consulting Group Inc./GT Hiring Solutions

6. Real Estate Board of Vancouver

7. Habanero Consulting Group

8. Expedia CruiseShip Centers International

9. Omni Companies

10.Kumsheen Rafting Resort

Top Co’s:

more than 100 employees

1. Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Services Inc.

2. Integris Credit Union

3. Cactus Restaurants Ltd.

4. Concert Properties Ltd.

5. Odlum Brown Ltd.

6. Great Little Box Company Ltd.

7. Canstar Restorations

8. Flight Centre Canada

9. Slant Six Games Inc.

10. Microsoft Canada Development Centre

For help with researching these or other potential employers use the resources at your local library; the internet; or join a job search or career planning program in your area. Please call Transitions Career & Business Consultants at 604-434-1177 for information about our free three week career exploration program for unemployed people.

Interest Themes - Part 2

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:07:00 -0800

As I mentioned last week, one of the ways I help clients determine “best fit” careers is to identify their major interest areas and the careers that match with those interests. I’ve listed six interest grouping again below but I have added industry matches for each:

Realistic Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Producing tangible results - fixing, building; operating/designing equipment and tools (heavy and precision). Career Areas: skilled trades, technical and some service occupations; manufacturing, construction, forestry, transportation, engineering, mechanical repairs, environment.

Investigative Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Perform abstract tasks, solve problems through thinking; collect/organize data, conduct research in scientific setting; work independently. Career Areas: scientific and technical occupations; research & design, library science, medical and scientific research or lab work, computer programming.

Artistic Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Composing, writing, creating artwork, decorating, designing; working independently; playing musical instruments, acting, performing. Career Areas: include artistic, musical and literary occupations; advertising, interior design, fine arts, museums/art galleries, art studios, performing arts.

Social Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Teaching, training, guiding, informing; solving problems, helping; organizing, leading discussions. Career Areas: educational and social service occupations; teaching, social work, counselling, medical/health clinics, religious services, human resources.

Enterprising Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Selling, purchasing; entertaining clients; giving presentations; political manoeuvring; leading groups, managing people. Career Areas: management, sales, entrepreneurship, or politics; small business, fund raising, retail and wholesale sales, large company/industry management, stock market.

Conventional Theme: Preferred Work Activities: Analyzing and organizing office procedures, typing, filing; keeping records, writing reports; work with numbers; production or assembly work. Career Areas: Office admin., systems management, production and processing, business offices, accounting & finance.

I hope this has helped you start thinking about your interests and potential new careers that match your interests. For more information about accessing career tests through a career counsellor, or a three-week career exploration program that is free to the unemployed, please call my office at 604-434-1177.

Interest Themes - Part 1

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0800

One of the ways I help clients determine “best fit” careers is to identify their major interest areas and the careers that match with those interests. Below are the 6 “Holland Code” interest groupings often used in career planning. See if you can identify which of the groupings you connect with most, and then read this column next week to view jobs that match with each interest group.

Realistic Theme: enjoy nature, mechanical devices, and structured (ex. military) activities. Interested in action (rather than thought), and prefer concrete problems (rather than ambiguous, abstract problems). Preferred Work Activities: Producing tangible results - fixing, building; operating/designing equipment and tools (heavy and precision).

Investigative Theme: have a strong scientific orientation. Enjoy uncovering information and analysing/interpreting data. Prefer to rely on themselves in their work rather than on others. Preferred Work Activities: Perform abstract tasks, solve problems through thinking; collect/organize data, conduct research in scientific setting; work independently.

Artistic Theme: value aesthetics and have a great need for self-expression. Artistic types frequently express their interests in leisure/recreational activities as well as in vocational activities or environments. Preferred Work Activities: Composing, writing, creating artwork, decorating, designing; working independently; playing musical instruments, acting, performing.

Social Theme: like to work with people. Enjoy working in groups, sharing responsibility, and being the centre of attention. Like to solve problems by discussing feelings and interacting with others. Preferred Work Activities: Teaching, training, guiding, informing; solving problems, helping; organizing, leading discussions.

Enterprising Theme: seek positions of leadership, influence, and status. They enjoy working with other people toward organizational goals and economic success. They like to take financial and interpersonal risks and to participate in competitive activities. Preferred Work Activities: Selling, purchasing; entertaining clients; giving presentations; political manoeuvring; leading groups, managing people.

Conventional Theme: may prefer subordinate roles in large organizations or in positions with clear tasks and results. Prefer activities that require attention to detail and accuracy. Preferred Work Activities; Analyzing and organizing office procedures, typing, filing; keeping records, writing reports; work with numbers; production or assembly work.

Career tests can help identify your interests and potential job matches. For more information about accessing career tests through a career counsellor, or a three-week career exploration program that is free to the unemployed, please call my office at 604-434-1177.

Layoff Checklist

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:14:00 -0800

The following is a ‘quick reference list’ of steps and actions you will want to consider if you have recently lost your job or have been notified of an upcoming layoff.

Attend to the Basics

Carefully review any separation agreement/severance package before signing
Obtain sound financial advice regarding severance payment, RRSP’s, tax implications, etc.
File a claim for EI as soon as possible after obtaining Record of Employment
Develop an interim personal budget
Inquire regarding any continuation of benefits (healthcare, dental plan etc.)
Request a letter of reference from employer or supervisor

Deal with the Impact of Loss

Be aware of the emotional/physical impact the loss has had on you
Identify ways that the loss has affected or may affect your outlook or behavior
Examine the impact of the loss on your family
Establish effective coping techniques and get support

Develop a Support Network

Identify family and friends who are supportive and ask for support
Identify and access community and public support services

Access books, programs/services and assistance for:

Job loss/transition management, career exploration/planning, job search/resume writing, interview skills, evaluating training and school options, and Entrepreneurship/Self-employment

Moving On

Explore all available options such as retraining, contract work, occupation change, entrepreneurship, or traditional job search.

For more information on where to find these supports and services, or to learn more about our government funded career planning program, call my office at 604-434-1177, 604-681-2774, or 604-568-4176.

What AM I Supposed to DO With My Life?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:00 -0800

At some point in almost everyone's life, the question: "What am I supposed to do with my life?" prompts people to search and reflect upon their purpose. I meet these people when they are changing jobs because of health, injury, downsizing, or dismissal, and/or by feelings of dissatisfaction, discontent, or boredom.

Work is so intricately connected with our need to survive. It represents something we do to earn money so we can have food and shelter. But work also speaks to our need to feel connected, respected, productive and satisfied on a self-actualization level.

When I meet people who are exploring their life, they have many questions and emotions about the journey. It can be a hopeful time, but it can arouse confusion, fear, and impatience as well. Because life/work exploration is a process, there are no quick fixes, and so many people become discouraged and frustrated and withdraw from the journey prematurely.

Think of it this way: You're hungry but you don't know what you want to eat. You look through recipes until you find a dish that looks appealing to you. Now you have to consider going out and collecting all the ingredients which will take time and cost money. Then there's the actual preparation of the dish which requires more time and effort. Now what if you go to all that trouble to make the dish and find out you don't like it? Out of desperation, you opt for not making the dish and run out to a fast food restaurant. It's fast, it's cheap and it's effortless. However, you know the food is not healthy and won't really satisfy you.

To figure out what you are supposed to do with your life, you need to approach the career exploration process with temperance. There is no quick fix (or fast-food) approach to doing something with your life that will sate you. But, if you have the willingness and commitment to do what's necessary and access ‘helpful’ resources, you have a better chance of success.

Getting Stuck on the How

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:01:00 -0800

I've noticed that the most common stage of making a change that people get stuck on, is the how. They may be really 'interested' in wanting to change their job, but they get caught up in the strategy of 'how' to do it.

I think that this stage of making a change is not the most important, yet it's the one that people tend to put all their energy towards, or at least their laments. Many times they are not really making progress in this stage at all, but fretting or stalling about executing it.

Why is this?

I believe it's because they haven't really identified 3 other very critical components of the equation. When it comes to changing a career or job, a person has to really recognize, understand, and wholeheartedly know the following:

Who they are
What's important to them and why
What they really want and why

This may seem obvious, but if we don't really investigate these components and believe in them, the execution of the 'how' stage will fail. When a person has a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence, goals can be achieved. When they are absolutely clear about what they want and why, goals can be achieved. The momentum that comes with deepening the understanding of these other two stages propels a person to figure out how to do it.

They are then able to access the right information; are creative and organized with setting up their time and financial resources and are committed to getting the goal achieved. It may be difficult and hard work, but the strength of the vision and the value of its importance will sustain them through the process.

Everyone has been able to get something they wanted or needed in their life in the past. The key to finding out how to get things you want in the future is to tap into your past performance. Don't get stuck on the 'how'. Spend your energy on figuring out what you really want and why you want it first!!

Don't Get Stuck on the How

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:44:00 -0800

Why is this?

Who they are
What's important to them and why
What they really want and why

Taking Charge of your Career

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:56:00 -0800

As a career coach, I often meet with people who have become discouraged or frustrated with their career situation. These people have either been unemployed for a number of weeks or months, stuck in a job they don’t like, confused about their career path, or simply lack a vision for where their career is going. Quite often these people feel somewhat powerless to initiate change or to find an answer. They believe that fate, their circumstance, the economy, their spouse, or their employer has somehow limited their ability to create change and to find new opportunities.

Although all of these factors plus many more can have a direct impact on your career progress and choices, I often find that it is more the discouragement, the lack of resources and information, and a loss of direction and vision that are the main blocks to creating a new career path. The following is a contract I have my clients sign in order to empower them in their pursuit of a new career:

PERSEVERANCE CONTRACT

I, , am ready and willing to put the same thought and energy into career planning that I have put into worrying about the future. I have experienced uncertainty due to the changes and challenges in my life and in the world of work, and I am determined to learn the skills required to succeed in finding a meaningful role for myself in it. I will read books, hire a career coach or access career programs and services in the community, review the material, and apply myself to taking the steps involved.

I understand that meeting the challenges of changing times requires courage, dedication and imagination. I recognize that the only person who can take responsibility for my career development is me. I am willing to invest my time and effort each day into improving my prospects for satisfying work. By accessing resources and support today, putting an action plan into place, and following up on ideas and leads as suggested, I will greatly enhance my long-term SUCCESS. I will remember that so-called “luck” will come when my preparation meets with opportunity!

__________________________ _____________________

Signature Date

Clues to your strengths

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:42:00 -0800

One of the first steps you should take when beginning your career exploration and planning process is undergoing a thorough self-awareness process that looks at your preferences, what motivates you, and your past successes. As a Career Coach/Counsellor, one of my key approaches is to ask probing questions to uncover clues to your ‘best fit career’. The following are a sample of the questions I use.

Take time, have fun, and be open-minded…

Generally…

1. My greatest strength, gift or talent is…

2. When I have spare time I love to…

3. What I want more of in my work life is…

4. What I want less of in my work life is…

From my work background and other life experiences…

5. What gives me the greatest feeling of satisfaction is…

6. I’ve felt the most competent when I was…

7. I get most passionate about what I’m doing when…

8. This is what the “job from hell” would look like for me…

9. This is what the “job from heaven” would look like for me… (tip: reverse of the job from hell)

10. When I consider the world, business and community around me, the causes and issues I feel most passionate about are…

About the future and my potential…

11. If I knew I could/would not fail at something new, then I would try/do/be a …

12. If I could do or be anything I would be a …. doing…

13. The most important legacy I could leave, or the most important contribution I could make to the world is…

14. My five (or more!) greatest success stories or times when I was highly motivated and engaged in my life/work/education/volunteering are…

Review your answers and see if you can pick out any ideas, patterns, or clues that may point to a new career or hobby that you would find satisfying.

Please call Transitions Career & Business Consultants at 604-434-1177 if you would like these questions sent to you, or information about our free three week career exploration program for unemployed people.

What are Time, Energy and Happiness Worth to You?

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0800

Whenever we say ‘yes’ to one thing, we are saying ‘no’ to something else. When exploring and committing to a career change, sacrifices are necessary. It takes time, energy and money to investigate, develop and secure a career that will ultimately provide you with the time, energy and money that you desire.

The average person will spend approximately 45 years of their life involved in the world of work. This breaks down to approximately 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day. And this is a conservative figure when you factor in overtime, commuting time, and the energy you spend thinking about work-related things, even when you’re not there. A huge portion of life is devoted to work. If you are experiencing intellectual, creative, social or physical satisfaction in your work, then it will be a huge joy. If you are experiencing very little satisfaction, or if it’s depleting you of your own humanness, then it will be a huge burden.

I believe that life is too precious and too short to tolerate a painful situation, not when there are alternatives you can access. Yes, the process of making a career change can take considerable time, energy and money, (trust me, I know, I’ve made several career changes in my life), but you need to see this process as an investment toward your daily, as well as long term peace and happiness.

It takes courage, commitment and a positive attitude to pursue a career path that can bring you closer to what you really want. It means saying ‘no’ to what’s contributing to your discontent and saying ‘yes’ to doing whatever it takes to acquire something meaningful, powerful and gratifying for you and your life!

Sector Job Websites

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:42:00 -0800

When teaching effective job search strategies, I always encourage people to get out and talk to people in person. Having said that, I do also recommend using internet job boards as ONE of your additional strategies. Use them wisely and for a limited amount of time each week.

Most sites will allow you to post your resume to the site, meaning employers can do some of the work for you as they search the posted resumes. A useful feature found on some sites will allow you to sign up for automatic notices that are sent to you when a job is posted that meets your job search criteria (job title, location, company, etc.). This saves you from having to browse job postings each day or each week. Although most people by now have used the major national job search websites like Monster and Workopolis, there are also specialty job sites that can help you focus your search on just the careers or sectors you’re interested in. These sites can be found through professional associations, job search website lists online or at your library, through sector councils (go to www.councils.org), or by searching for “job postings” plus the name of the career you’re seeking.

To get you started, here’s a sample list of career and sector specific sites:
Alliance for Arts and Culture www.allianceforarts.com
Environment, Peace, Conservation www.goodworkCanada.ca, www.ecoemploy.com
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Job Loss - Identity Loss

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:26:00 -0800

I would like to share some of the teachings offered in the book The Art of Happiness at Work that was written by the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler. I will focus on a chapter that speaks about unemployment and work identity.

There are few things in life as distressing as losing a job. Unemployment can contribute to multiple losses, the primary one being income, but there are also secondary losses which can affect ones’ identity or self-concept. These losses involve the role a person has played, the amount of money they’ve made, the authority or control they’ve had, or the status they’ve acquired and displayed.

For those whose identity is strongly linked to these ‘externals’, the loss can be devastating. However, the Dalai Lama states in his book that: “the wise way to avoid, perhaps not the problem of job loss, but at least the mental agitation that may go with it, is to widen one’s self-image, see oneself first as a human being with the capacity for friendships, for kindness, and so on, and then realize that one has different roles in addition to the role at work. Here one needs a more balanced approach to life. It is not all about one’s job or how much money one makes.”

In expanding our self-concept beyond the workplace, we give ourselves an opportunity to find meaning and connection in our relationships, hobbies, interests, recreational pursuits, or community and volunteer work.

To manage work, and unemployment, we need to see ourselves as more than just some kind of machine designed only for production. We also need to consider engaging in a career that allows us to bind our identity to the essence of the work, rather than the external trappings of one’s position. In doing this we decrease the likelihood that we would be totally devastated by the loss of a job, because we still have ourselves as a human being, and our essence of the work, which is portable and can be transferred to any hobby, activity, relationship or future job.