Custom Career Solutions

"This may sound crazy, but . . ."

These are the words spoken by many of my clients right before they have a breakthrough enabling them to envision the next career goal.

This moment of acknowledgement fills the air with electricity.

They are revealing something about themselves they have always known on some level, but continually pushed aside.

The reason they don't acknowledge this interest, skill, or value is it is often "quirky" or does not "fit the mold" in their current reality.

It is usually something that does not easily translate to a beaten career path.

Suddenly, the cat is out of the bag. The train has left the station.

The challenge now before us is to figure out how this strong, persistent desire can be integrated with their career.

This calling becomes a north star guiding us in our decision making.

Our work gets harder and easier at the same time.

Off the beaten path, we must pave our own way. There are more obstacles. It is unknown exactly what the job will look like in the end.

Yet, the effort finally seems worth it.

In the midst of clarifying the destination, the process no longer feels like another path to nowhere.

The "weird" transforms into the "wonderful" once embraced.

Do you feel called to do something, but are not sure how to make it happen? Or where you fit in?

Listen to that little voice.

Instead of fearing being different, in my humble opinion, we should fear being the same as everyone else.

You were made for great works toward the common good.

In a way only you can do.

As I look out my office window at the sun shining on the beautiful fall foliage, I wonder how I ever disliked autumn.

In reality, I didn't despise fall, I just did not want summer to end.

Eventually, I learned to let go of summer and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the season of pumpkin spice and sweater weather.

Each time I witness a client successfully change careers,
they had to first let something go.

In some form or another, they are letting go of ego, fear, and doubt.

What do you need to set free so you can embrace a desired change?

Perfectionism?
Familiar Work Environment?
Beloved Coworkers?
Investment in a Career no Longer Serving You (Degree, Certs)
Excuses?
Self-Doubt?
Security?
Flexibility?

No one can make these decisions for us,
for they are values-based choices, and our values are unique to us.

For those of you who have successfully changed careers . . .

What did you give up?

What did you gain in return?

Give some inspiration and hope to those considering letting go.

See comment below for my career change give up/gain exchange.

I was offered vital advice when searching for our family dog.
Choose a pet that matches the energy level of your family.
What was the outcome?

Well, in retrospect, a fish may have been a good choice for us.

We are a chill, peaceful family of introverts.

We chose the calmest pup who turned out to be an extremely high energy dog.

On the bright side . . .

My husband and I benefit from a long daily walk and he has brought out a playful side in all of us.

But, the truth is, we are all wired to thrive at a different pace.

In her book, Your Blue Flame, Jen Fulwiler refers to this as our "TEMPO OF LIFE"

When you are sharing your goals, be wary of "values" based suggestions from others who prefer to live faster or slower than you.

This might sound like:

"Think bigger! Don't sell yourself short! What are you waiting for?"

OR

"Relax, it will all unfold in due time. You can't rush these things."

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU EMBRACE YOUR TEMPO OF LIFE?

1) You tap into your natural daily rhythm and sleep temperament.

2) You stop feeling inferior to others who are always striving for more or telling you to relax when you want to go, go, go!

3) You stop judging others and instead inspire them by confidently living your dreams at your own pace.

Traditional internships are more competitive than ever in the present COVID world. Micro-internships are a game changer for both college students and companies.

Micro-internships have enabled my college clients to gain enough project-based experience to attract a full-time role upon graduation.

Parker Dewey is leading the charge, but smaller to mid-sized firms offer them as well - and some students have successfully proposed their own micro-internship projects to smaller companies.

Now, employers can target a project to students at their alma mater.

Big News from Parker Dewey: Featured Projects Now Available Parker Dewey is excited to announce Featured Projects, a new way for alumni, employer partners, and others to post Micro-Internships to support your students.

"Is it normal to feel this anxious?"

I often hear this question from people considering a career change.

The answer is YES, but with a silver lining . . .

The period of peak anxiety often comes right before we enter a new phase of self-discovery and excitement.

If we take action.

Too often, we retreat back to the misery we know instead of pushing past the fear of the unknown to explore what is possible.

The best part of my job is helping others gain tools and insights to cross the red zone, build momentum, and make the change.

I still remember the fear of my own career transition 2 decades ago.

I am forever grateful to those who helped me make it to the other side, so I could know the joy that follows finding a better fit.

Have you ever been stuck in a phase of doubt and discomfort?

How did you overcome fear and move to discovery?

What advice would you give to others?