Career coaching is designed to work with action-oriented individuals who are interested in improving their career skills and strategies that suit their interests and talents so that they can gain greater resourcefulness. I can help you explore and define (re-define) your professional goals, develop and take action steps to get there, and make practical changes to lead you to greater career success and satisfaction.

Making a Career Change

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to make a career change or start a new business. Many years ago, I made my own career change after 15 years as President of a successful Silicon Valley corporation that I built from the ground up. It wasn't easy. It took a lot of courage, perseverance, and support. After working with people in career transitions, I have helped them successfully change careers.

Changing your career or starting a new business at any age can be a little nerve rattling, however, as adults several factors keep many in jobs they would otherwise let go. These factors include age discrimination, opportunity to further education, financial resources, and much needed encouragement to get started.

If you know what you want to do, you're half way there, but there are still obstacles. I can help you navigate the difficult changes and uncharted territories. Often, our relationships and our personal lives suffer when we decide to make a career change because of all the time we must devote to it. I can help you to achieve better time management and get support from those around you.

Unfortunately, many people only know that they want out of their current profession but know what type of new career or new business they want. Figuring that out isn't as hard as it sounds.

The key to these changes has often entailed taking an inventory of skills. Here is a simple way for you to get started. Before we get started with Career and Entrepreneurial Coaching Sessions, I encourage people to do a little homework. Take a blank sheet of paper and draw a very large "T" on the paper. Write on the left side of the "T", skills or jobs you have most enjoyed over the years. On the other half of the "T", skills or jobs you did not enjoy. Consider your past work history, hobbies, and volunteer experiences when filling in your "T" area. Here are a few examples: Working with people, leisure activities, working with things, data, instructing others, artistic, mechanical, scientific, managing, influencing, sales, working with your hands, job location. Be as specific as possible with your likes and dislikes.

Another way to explore career choices is to research the classified ads. Another good tool is to consider local businesses that you feel you would enjoy working at or owning. Then make a note of them, and add them to your list of potential careers to further research.

After researching careers and businesses you find interesting, narrow down your selections. Learn more about each career you find interesting. Helpful books for in-depth career research can be located at your local library or on-line. These books include: The Occupational Outlook Handbook, The Enhanced Guide for Occupational Exploration (EGOE or GOE abbreviated) and The Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

While it is helpful to do this kind of homework prior to our session, it is not necessary. Often people have very little idea what it is they want to do, but know what they don't want to do. I have found that in Career and Entrepreneurial Coaching, not knowing what you want to do can be a great starting place.

I recommend trying to choose a career or business you can enjoy, not one that is only directed at making money. You will need passion and enthusiasm to learn new things, and to push yourself to greater heights. The more you enjoy the work you choose, the more time you will spend at it. This can help you increase your income potential in the long run. Why not create a life based on the best person you want to be not what someone else tells you to be. Life really can be fun if you create income based on what you truly enjoy doing.

The final stage is making a decision what is right for you and putting your plan together. This is where I can help. Together we can ask questions like "Do I need more education, additional financial resources, a new resume, support from your family members, an intermediate job?" We can create a plan of action that you can follow step by step.

Changing a career or starting a business is a process that can be fun, self awakening, and can give you a new zeal for living. If you would like to learn more about how I work, please give me a call. I would love to help. We spend so much time at our jobs, why shouldn't it be something we enjoy?