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Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current job but uncertain about the next steps?
As a coach, my recommendation might surprise you: instead of focusing solely on the skills, job titles, or industries, start by asking yourself, “How do I want to feel?”
In my years of coaching individuals in pursuit of professional fulfillment, a recurring theme emerges – understanding the emotions driving career aspirations is paramount. It’s not merely about securing a job; it’s about crafting a career that aligns with your core desires and values.
Clients often approach me with specific career goals, only to realize that the essence of their aspirations lies in the emotions associated with those goals. Whether it’s a passion for creativity, a desire for impact, or a quest for autonomy, these emotional cores become the guiding lights for meaningful career transitions.
Life, fundamentally, revolves around emotions. Whether in relationships, homes, or careers, these are vehicles designed for us to encounter and revel in a spectrum of emotions. Even if your initial goal is financial success, delve deeper – it’s likely the security and freedom tied to financial stability that you genuinely desire.
Let’s explore a few examples:
Emotional Target: Inspiration, fulfillment.
Career Shift: Exploring roles in creative industries, such as graphic design, writing, or content creation.
Emotional Target: Contribution, making a difference.
Career Shift: Exploring opportunities in nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, or roles with a clear societal impact.
Emotional Target: Independence, self-reliance.
Career Shift: Considering freelance or entrepreneurial ventures where autonomy is a central theme.
Understanding the emotional core beneath your career aspirations is crucial as it unveils unforeseen possibilities. Once you identify the emotion you seek, you might discover alternative avenues to experience it in different areas of your life. Many individuals initially approach career coaching, only to realize that fulfilling that emotion is possible beyond their professional sphere.
