One Step Forward...

I spoke with a recruiter/job coach today. I will call him "G". G had some great advice on a few books and websites I should be perusing and taking advantage of.

The best part was he is first completely neutral advice I have gotten. He is not a family member or a friend. He is completely objective and speaks from 20 years of career counseling. The guy knows what he is talking about and how to handle his clients. (no offense family and friends!)

G was very positive, very understanding and let me know that it's OK to be frustrated. Not only is it tough not knowing what you want to do, but adding in the current economy it can be even more scary and volatile.

He also mentioned that people around you can make things worse by telling you to "just get a job". It's like alcoholism, if you haven't been there, you don't know what it's like. I get that. It's true. They may think they are helping but it just adds extra pressure to the stewing pot. That's when I tend to rebel and shut off and let's be honest, that isn't helling anyone, especially me! I need to let it roll off and stay focused.

It's not an easy road, and you have to ask yourself some tough questions. G started me out with some initial questions. Every question leads to another until you find what you need to move forward. It's my job to take his initial questions and delve deeper. I need to examine areas I have not yet looked at, or have not looked at hard enough.

I look forward to making some (long needed) progress and speaking with him again to re-evaluate. I was very skeptical at first, because as most of you know, I have a hard time asking for help... but I am glad I spoke with G today. It is very similar to the career advice I was getting from books a few months ago before the layoff, but it makes a big difference having a "Master Po" to lead you. A little of that "career-confusion' fog has dissipated from my head because of that conversation.