Shortly after I began career counseling, with the intent of helping people create a deeper, more satisfying direction in their work lives, I noticed a pattern. My clients were not expecting the need for anything beyond a bit of career testing, my expert advise and a new resume. The need for a transition process had not occurred to them.

Life changes begin with an ending that is sometimes planned, often not and takes time to process. As endings can be difficult we often try avoiding the reality of what has happened, but this only makes it harder to let go and move on.

Career counseling clients looking to work for a values/community-based organization and earn a decent living are often stumped. They think they must choose between a non-profit whose mission they believe in and not make any money, or sell out their values to earn a better wage. When I’ve asked folks over the past few months if they knew about social entrepreneurism, a hybrid of business and non-profit zeal for social, economic and environmental change, all but one said “no.”

In the world of career counseling we are aware of the power of parental modeling when it comes to things like career choices and patterns, and work ethics.

All of a sudden, you’re clearer about your best career ideas and choices. Your exploratory process is starting to pay off. You’re beginning to feel good about the options and possibilities you’ve created. Even though there are questions still, enough is figured out that there are plausible steps to take for weeks, and hope is running high.

What’s the career question that’s bugging you the most right now? Can you name it and then possibly write it down?

Have you ever hit a wall trying to figure out your career or path in self-employment? You have an idea or two about what you’d like to do, but you’re just not sure, then you get stuck there. What to do? Explore.

When was the last time you sat down with someone who could answer your questions about a career path? A career you are exploring in hopes of connecting with people who share your vision and passion, people who are doing the work you would love to be involved with, given a chance.