People regularly seek advice from experts on their health, investments, and how to fix their car. But when it comes to the biggest decision of all, choosing a life/career direction, they struggle in silence.
It doesn’t matter if you are a student, a job seeker, a career changer, or someone considering semi-retirement options, finding a direction that fits you is just plain difficult by yourself.
Many hope they will eventually fall into the right career. Others wait for the “billboard” moment in which their future life direction will suddenly flash before their eyes. Does it happen? I have yet to see a billboard with my name on it.
Studies show that only 15-20% of all U.S. workers are highly satisfied in their current jobs. Add to that fact data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows that the average worker now moves through 10+ jobs over the course of a career and you get an ugly picture of how well we all do when left to our own devices.
If so many people are frustrated and unhappy, why don’t they seek help?
3 Key Reasons People Don’t Seek Career Guidance from a Career Consultant
- They don’t know what career consultants really do;
- They don’t think they can fit it in to their schedule;
- They’re afraid it will cost too much.
Sound familiar?
So why should you seek the guidance of a career consultant?
What a Trained Career Consultant Can Do for You
- Help you assess your interests, strengths, skills, values, and personality;
- Help you identify a career direction that really fits you;
- Help you uncover what may be holding you back;
- Help you map out education and training steps (if needed);
- Help guide you in how to market yourself (resume prep, networking, interviewing).
The absolute best thing about the career guidance process is the way it makes you feel. Stop right now and close your eyes. Check how you really feel about your current situation. How do you feel about the way the next 10 years of your life are likely to unfold if you stay on the current path?
Are you on the right track? Are you really happy? Is your current direction the best use of your talents? Do you feel valued? Are you excited when you wake up in the morning?
OR…
Do you feel like you’re drifting, boxed in, or just scraping through each day? Are you frustrated, anxious, or even angry because you really don’t know what your next step should be? If you fall into this second group, it’s time to get some help.
You take your car to a professional for a tune-up… isn’t your career direction more important than an oil change?
How to Find A Qualified Career Consultant
- An easy way to find qualified career guidance is to search online. But as you consider your options, make sure that you choose a program that lets you actually speak directly with a career consultant – some services only offer email exchange.
- Look for a career consultant or career counselor who has a Masters Degree and at least five years experience in career guidance.
- Beware of anyone who will not tell you up front what his/her fees are.
- Look for a program that offers a combination of self-assessments and 1-to-1 personal career guidance.
Stop waiting for a billboard moment. Get the help you deserve to find a life direction that fits!