Is fear controlling your career direction - Hallie Crawford

Is fear controlling your career direction Many of my career coaching clients, whether they’re in their 20s or 50s, get stuck in the swamp of fear because they feel one or more of the following:  I’ve been out of the workplace too long to establish an enjoyable career  I’m too old to go back to school  I’m worried about the external voices of judgment  I’ve been wasting time pursuing the wrong path â€" what if it happens again? What does this fear really boil down to? I often find that what career coaching clients are actually saying is “I don’t know how I define my value” or “I want to stay under the security blanket so my ego doesn’t take a hit” or “I am clueless as to who I am and what makes me happy.” Want the good news? It’s NEVER too late to learn about yourself and how you can fully express your unique talents in the world. In many instances, these perceived barriers are not even true! Take my career coaching client, Brendan, for example. In his early 40s, Brendan desperately wanted out of his current job but was terrified of completing a new Bachelor’s degree for a completely different field he’s never even tried before. After Brendan defined what fueled his motivation and best utilized his personality, skills, and work environment preferences, he gained clarity in understanding that he has everything it takes to move ahead. Going back to school was a rewarding and feasible choice; after all, he had successfully advanced in his current company for years and had already completed an MBA program! Brendan’s own blueprint of evidence spoke for itself. Brendan is now half way through his new degree program and is thrilled he took the leap. Career coaching can help you break out of a limited construct and look at yourself and the world through a new lens of intrinsic motivation, value, and confidence. You can always learn something that will authentically direct your career whether it is self-knowledge, formal education, or even assertiveness, communication, and leadership skills to shape your current environment. Are you thinking about a change and wondering if it’s too late? If you are unsure, contact us today. We’re here for you! Let’s work together and climb out of your swamp of fear onto solid career ground. Stacy Smyk-Santiago Certified Career Coach