So many career choices Dont get overwhelmed, find support. Career Coach JobJenny

So many career choices Dont get overwhelmed, find support. Career Coach JobJenny Today's post is brought to you by guest blogger Jennifer Robertson, an educational psychologist and the owner of Career Navigator, a Portland, Oregon-based consulting firm that specializes in career assessments and coaching. If you're overwhelmed by the choices of jobs out there, she's your gal. Ugh. Monday morning arrives.again. Thats no mindset to start a workweek with, but a few years ago, thats exactly where I was. Waking up and resigning myself to the drudgery that the day would surely offer. A day just like the one before it and most likely, the days to come. The inevitable had happened. I had fallen into a rut. My motivation? It was out the window. Creativity? Enthusiasm? Drive? Gone. l felt a little like a beach ball being tossed about every day by random wind gusts: directionless and not in control. I wasnt running and plotting my career; it was running me. I couldnt even remember what I liked to do, and I certainly didnt know what I should pursue career-wise. Life seemed overwhelming. There were so many options, I was simply paralyzed. I began to suspect I wasnt alone in these feelings. I needed a change, stat. Yet, as much as I wanted to get out there and do something find the right path for me I didnt know where to start. Alas, life routines, obligations, boredom seemed to be blocking my way. As stuck as I felt, I realize now that finally recognizing my dissatisfaction was an epiphany. Boom. Reaching rock bottom in my career was a moment that serendipitously served as the catalyst I needed to make a dramatic change. Once I made that realization and committed to improving my career prospects, the challenge became choosing what path to take. Easier said than done. As wonderful as choices are, I was sobered to face the reality that there are more jobs to choose from than doctor, lawyer or teacher. It sounds obvious, I know, but with a zillion ways to earn a living, how on earth do you decide your path? I decided to tackle the challenge by arming myself with information, and embarked on a journey of discovery.I talked to my school advisor, my parents, my friends even my dog to get information and advice. Some of it really helped (including the dogs input. I decided against lounging around all day, appealing as that is) and I found myself encouraged at the resources available to me. Clearly, I was not the first lost individual looking for guidance. It turns out, there is an amazing support system for career seekers, much of it available at our fingertips, or a phone call away. I found a seemingly endless supply of tools available to help point me in the direction of my career dreams. Personality and skill assessments, interest inventories and career counselors not only helped me to find some cool careers to explore careers that fit my personality and strengths but also hooked me up with some pretty detailed information on those choices. Ive never been a believer in the crystal ball approach, or a fairy godmother that magically waves her little wand and poof, youre in the career of your dreams making gobs of moolah. I do know that its a heck of a lot easier to settle into a job if you know something about the industry. After all, knowledge is power and there is something to be said about having the data you need to know about the career youre about to enter. Once we awake to the enormity of choices that exist out there, it is a small miracle that most of us dont just pull the covers back over our heads and call it a day. Im here to say wake up anyway! My search landed me happily in the world of satisfying employment and I am pleased to report those career ruts are merely a distant speck in my rear view mirror. So get up, get out there, and make a commitment to yourself. Its time to get your career groove on! If youre considering a career move but not sure what you want to be next (nor where to start), check out Jennifer Robertsons Career Navigator. Her company provides career / skills assessments that help job seekers narrow in on career opportunities that align with your core skills and aspirations.