Few of us are lucky enough to know exactly what we want to do when we leave school. And even when we have a good idea or a plan, things do not always work out as expected. Most of us head in the direction we think we want to go and hope for the best; while others stumble across their dream career while heading in a different direction altogether.
Finding our dream job and a career that makes us happy comes with thought, knowledge, perseverance, a little flexibility and a lot of patience. It is about having a compass – not a map. A compass that will set us in the right direction based on what we are naturally good at, what we are passionate about and how we want to live our adult lives. Whatever career we select, does not mean we are limited to that choice for the rest of our lives. Research estimates we could change our careers several times throughout our working lives and change our jobs even more. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (July 2012), a person born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 11.3 jobs between the ages of 18 and 46 – with an average of 5.5 jobs between the ages 18 and 24.
In the current economic downturn however, ‘job-hopping’ is not as frequent as the need to hold on to a job a bit longer overrides the need for change. Whether deciding on a career or changing jobs/careers, career planning is essential for success. This is where a good career coach becomes your most valuable aid, having someone who can provide insight into workplace issues, who can offer suggestions, a different perspective and help you maintain a positive attitude through a stressful time.
A good career coach can help you to unlock your potential and reach your career goals.