Balancing Focus and Alternatives

As a Career Coach I am sometimes of two minds. On the one hand, I encourage clients to focus. Visualize the prize, and keep your eyes on the prize with a singular focus of achieving your goals. So in terms of job search, identify the type of job you want, where you want it, how much your target pay is, what kind of benefits you want, do you want work from home, in-office, or hybrid, etc. etc. 

Understanding these wants, distinguishing your wants from your needs. Prioritizing what's important, trading off what is not, these are all important. Many times they are done through singular decision making, meditating on our your own needs, and then deciding a way forward. Other times it's based on your responsibilities, that is the needs of others. Your children, your spouse's career, your aging parents, spending time with your grandkids, etc.

Look Outside of Your Box

However, there are times in life where one has to look outside of the box. To scope out alternatives. To see what else there is "out there". What else can be done? Will it satisfy your needs, will it fulfill your wants? And so on.

I believe we are living through a time when it's important to keep your mind open to alternatives. That doesn't mean that you lose focus on what is important, but it means that you give a sliver of consideration, a modicum of measure, a glimpse of a gaze, into what else is there? With the uncertainties of the job market, the relentless march of corporate turnover, disruption, and change, job seekers are increasingly evaluating their options.

For many, this is a good time to do some self assessment. One path many follow is to work with CareerCOACH™️ Services and take a series of personality and behavioral assessments such as the DISC assessment, 12 Driving Forces®, and Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Seeking answers to HOW you do things, WHY you do the things you do, and what is your emotional fortitude, and social intelligence that helps you make the decisions you do.

That's a different discussion. For that we explore the assessments given by our partners at TTI Success Insights, a highly developed, robustly scientific, and proven approach to assessments. We will return to that in later discussions.

Caring is an Act of Compassion - exploring jobs in disabilities care

It is an understood fact that the breath and depth of disabilities are increasing across the country, and indeed the world. While scientists study and try to determine causes of disabilities such as Autism, and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), the effects are clear. There are populations that are in need of support. Some of course intensive care, but others just need support, guidance, mentorship, and of course, love in one's heart and action.

So as one looks out of the box, look at careers, or at least short term employment, in the disabilities space. Companies such as Add-on Support Services facilitate companionship and other activities. 

“Caring is an act of compassion.” We believe compassion has the power to heal and guide every aspect of our work. We take a person‑centered approach, collaborating with each individual to outline their dreams, create personalized goals, and track meaningful outcomes.

Another organization is Pragnya, 

The PRAGNYA Community Integration Initiative provides participants with weekend programs that include community activities and integrated volunteer experiences that develop a sense of belonging for the Neurodiverse individuals, while also providing them the  Neurotypical peer circles of support to aid in this process. Based on the individual and family-centric approach, the programs utilize a variety of trained Ally (peer) support, group activities, educational workshops, and community based activities

Another company that I do some work with is Luminous Pathways: 

 

Had a really nice conversation with her about her journey, struggles, achievements, victories, and dreams.

Take a listen.