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Dear Friends and Clients,

These days, career paths tend to wander a good bit. Most of us encounter ups and downs, and quite a few forks in the road. At times it may feel like a dead end, but that's typically just a matter of perspective. The trick is to keep moving, even if it feels like we're not going forward.

Sometimes career shifts are forced upon us, but at other times we want to move in a new direction because we're feeling bored, unfulfilled or unrewarded. A career revival might mean setting off in an entirely new direction, or it could just require a different approach to the profession you've already chosen.

I've thoroughly reinvented my career several times, and may do it again. I believe that it is never too late to find something new and rewarding. Often, when you're contemplating a change, the hardest part is getting started, and that is what I'll talk about in this issue.

But first I want to mention that I won't be sending out this ezine during July 4^th week, so keep enjoying the summer and I'll be back to you on July 17.

Warmly, Bev

The Cliché Is Correct --
Your New Career
Can Get Started Today

June 19th, 2007 * Number 62

Are you feeling stuck, bored or under-appreciated? Or do you love your job yet don’t want to work this hard forever? Or is your industry or institution in crisis, meaning that you need to come up with a Plan B?

Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about making a change you are part of a very large crowd. Research suggests that most of us will change career directions many times, and that few of us will opt for a traditional retirement.

Executive coaches know that tremendous change is possible, no matter what your age or how formidable the barriers. And your new career direction can begin immediately – just as soon as you start taking steps.

If you take a small step, and then another, and another, you’ll soon pick up momentum. For many people, however, the hard part is to stop making excuses and take that first step or two.

Below are excuses commonly used by people having a hard time getting into gear, along with responses that may put those excuses to rest. If you are finding it difficult to get moving, consider whether these apply to you:

“I don’t know what I want.” You don’t need to define a precise destination before you get going. Start by making a list of what you do know that you want in the next phase of your career. One way to begin is to note the good and not so good aspects of your current situation. As you identify the current negatives, rephrase them as positives for your wish list. For example, if you keep thinking that you’re bored with the same old thing, reframe that thought into, “my next job will be varied and interesting.” Look at your list frequently, and add more details as they become clear.

“I don’t know where to start.” There is no perfect path or ideal starting point. What matters is that you somehow get moving in the general direction of where you want to go. Begin today by taking one tiny step -- any step -- that will move you the slightest bit in that direction. Take another step tomorrow, and start building a list of other small steps to take in the future. Your steps might include, for example, networking activities, research or exploration of training options.

“It’s too hard.” You don’t have to make the move all at once. As with other intimidating tasks, the trick is to break the transition into small parts. Once you have your ultimate goal in mind, focus your attention on those initial small steps. The complex issues will become simpler as you get closer.

“I should have started earlier.” If you find yourself preoccupied with regrets about what you did or didn’t do in the past, it is time to let it go. Next time you find yourself thinking that regretful thought, write the thought down. Then write a more positive version of that thought. For example, imagine that your frequent refrain is, “I should have started graduate school years ago.” The revised version might be, “I’m going to research graduate schools immediately.” Repeat the revised version frequently, and act on it.

“I’m too old to be a beginner.” Don’t let your false dignity get in the way of what you want to do. Once you plunge in, you’ll find joy in starting something new. And when you begin your new path you are likely to come across other beginners of all ages. If you start now, in 2009 you may no longer be a beginner. But if you do nothing, in two years you may only be a littler older.

“I can’t afford it.” Sometimes taking a new direction means a pay cut, at least in the short run. One way to approach this is to regard the short-term loss in income as a capital investment. On a more fundamental level, financial barriers may require a rebalancing of your priorities. Create a list of benefits that could flow from your efforts to change, and make another list of ways that you are currently spending your money. Ask whether some items on your current spending list are bringing you less satisfaction than you would derive from the potential changes in your life.

“I don’t have the energy.” Sometimes you have to get in shape before you can get going. If you are just too stressed or exhausted to focus on the future, begin your path by taking steps to become healthy.

Want to Read More About Changing Direction? For reviews of helpful books, along with Amazon links, go to: ClearWays Books and Services. If you buy any book through these links it will contribute to the cost of distributing Bev’s Tips, and be much appreciated.

Are you looking for a coach or speaker? Bev does one-on-one executive coaching in person or by phone, and she is available to speak about a broad range of issues related to your work life. Visit her website at www.ClearWaysConsulting.com or email to Bev directly. Bev is associated with Executive Coaching & Consulting Associates.

Bev’s Tips for a Better Work Life is published on the first and third Tuesday of each month by Beverly E. Jones of ClearWays Consulting, LLC. Bev is a lawyer and former executive who now coaches accomplished CEO's, public afffairs executives, and other professionals to bring new direction, energy and enjoyment to their work lives.

All rights in all media reserved. However, the content of Bev’s Tips for a Better Work Life may be forwarded in full without special permission on the condition that (1) it is for non-profit use and (2) full attribution and copyright notice are given. For other uses please contact Bev Jones.

Our address is: 2925 43rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016.