Linsey Levine's CareerCounsel

More about feeling stuck

Here's a good post from Barbara Winter's blog: JoyfullyJobless.com

I definitely relate, since I felt the same way for many years - and now live my passion helping others in career pain, limbo or depression - get unstuck!

5 REASONS YOU MIGHT FEEL STUCK

 

Unfortunately, we all know what it's like to feel stuck. At the time in my life--which seemed to stretch on forever--I described it as trying to sprint through the LaBrea Tar Pits. The frustration was unbearable and doing more of the same didn't change things even a little. If working harder wasn't the solution, what was?

Defining the problem accurately was the missing link for me. Whenever I'm feeling stuck, I begin changing that by figuring out the cause. Here are some common villains.

Missing vital information or resources. With all the information at our fingertips, this should be a non-issue. Sometimes, however, we don't look in the right places. Often what we really need to move on can be provided by another person who is familiar with our situation. It needs a personal touch. Connecting with doers is often a shortcut that short circuits this problem.

Settling for less because it seems easier. It's hard to generate creative ideas when you know you're capable of better, but are afraid to go after what you really want. Paradoxically, settling for less may be harder -not easier- and in the long run, it costs a lot more.

Feeding fears instead of nurturing ideas. I don't know about you, but I had a lot more training in fear and avoidance than I did in nurturing and building. Sadly, I see too many people who have developed a real fondness for their fears and keep them well-fed. Once I had figured out how to grow an idea from a tiny seed into a plump and plucky reality, I discovered I could repeat it whenever I wanted.

Refusing to listen. As any recovering addict can tell you, denial is a powerful force that keeps us repeating unhealthy behavior. Not listening to our own intuitive selves can keep us stuck, as can refusing to seek advice from someone we trust, someone who doesn't have our emotional attachment to the problem. Of course, when we seek such help, it's our obligation to listen, not argue for our limitations.

Turn every problem into an obstacle. As Dr. Joy Browne (a professional at helping folks get unstuck) says if we combine small problems into a big one, then big ones become giant unsolvable monsters. She also suggests that if all else fails, don’t ignore people who offer you an escape plan.

Everyone gets stuck sometimes, but staying stuck is optional. Refuse to make it your fallback plan.

AND 5 THINGS THAT CAN JAR YOU LOOSE

·         Change the Scenery

·         Create a Distraction Free Zone

·         Seek Help and Listen

·         Create a New Vision

·         Be Accountable to a Few People Whom You Trust

 

Home

Are you stuck?

...in career pain, career depression, or career limbo?
...in a stagnant or discouraging job search?
...in a dying field or industry?

I can help you get clear, get focused, get moving!

• Do you need practical assistance with a career change and/or job search campaign?
• Do you want to re-enter the workforce, but don't know where to begin?
• Are you having difficulty defining or achieving your career/life goals or balance?
• Are you looking for your true calling or a meaningful purpose?
• Have you thought about how much time and money you are wasting in misdirected efforts?

At CareerCounsel, my mission is to help you with insight, clarity, and knowledge so you can discover your goals and dreams -- and begin to make them happen. As both a career counselor, career coach and professional resume writer, my holistic and proactive approach to career planning has led to exciting and diverse new opportunities for many clients... and I can do the same for you!

As a workshop leader, ExecuNet facilitator, and speaker on variety of career issues, I  provide group experiential activities, challenging learning environments, and supportive communities that inspire and enrich group process.

"Linsey is an intuitive and caring career counselor and coach. It is rare to find a career guidance professional with such depth of background, education and experience. Because Linsey truly cares about "the person," and because of her counseling background, she offers far more than many career coaches. Working with Linsey can result in a life-transforming experience, not just a new job."
- Diane Negvesky

When you work with me...

You'll become empowered to find practical solutions to your career dilemmas, make your career transitions manageable, and develop ongoing career focus and resiliency. My individualized approach to maximizing your strengths, transferable skills, and talents will help you realize career growth in an environment where you can flourish.

You'll get unstuck, create more realistic and meaningful options for success, uncover your personal brand, and begin to find your career/life balance.

You'll be inspired and motivated to make effective career decisions and implement plans. Your background is unique! Whatever you've been doing, wherever you are now, you have gifts, talents, skills, interests, and values that deserve special attention.

You'll have a resume that gets you noticed! I'll help you create an attention-getting resume that's computer and reader friendly. It will emphasize your accomplishments, potential benefits, and most importantly, your value to a future employer.

You'll be connected with ideas, resources, and other people to expand your possibilities.

I will bring all my professional experience and expertise to our collaboration to help you succeed. My satisfied client base includes executives in mid-career transition, creative, medical, and education professionals, attorneys, re-entry women, and other motivated individuals who recognize the value of partnering with a supportive advocate to move their goals forward.

Learn more about...

Career Counseling and Coaching

Resume Writing Services

Career Workshops

ExecuNet Facilitated Networking Meetings

September is International Update Your Resume Month

In honor of Labor Day, make sure that your work is as fulfilling as it can be for you - since you spend almost half of your waking hours there.

As my colleague Gayle Howard in Australia reminded me: This is International Update Your Resume Month. 

Regardless of where the economy is headed, or when the recession officially eases, or how the stock market is doing, it's always a good idea to have an up-to-date, accomplishment- driven resume. Make the change when it's right for you, not when your employer makes the decision for you. 

Inevitably you will see a job posting or decide to explore the changing job market and it is a mad scramble to put together your resume, remember your career achievements, and then craft a compelling message that will catch the attention of the right potential employer. By the time you try and figure it all out (or get your resume written professionally), the job is long gone, and you trudge back to the treadmill.

So here is your challenge.

Support International Update Your Resume Month. Do it right now. Think about how you’ve made a difference in the past year and update your resume so you will be ready to navigate the dynamically changing career landscape.

This is your gift to you. An investment in yourself. And it is indeed a worthy cause!