The Best Advice I Ever Heard From a Career Coach

The Best Advice I Ever Heard From a Career Coach Im often asked for job search advice, and perhaps the No. 1 request I receive is, What kind of job should I look for?As a coach, most of the time, I answer this question and other client questions with a question of my own Why?Most of us have more than enough people in our lives offering their opinions, whether we want them to or not.My goal is not to be one of those people. Im of the belief that we already have many of the answers we seek. We simply ask others when we want confirmation secretly, of course.Thats not an absolute truth, but more times than not, this is the case.So back to the job search question. I proceed to ask the person totell me about the thing they would do for free. I want them to tell me what theyre really passionate about.Usually, thats not the answer they want, but it creates a necessary conversation that a job seeker might otherwise avoid. Its a conversation about values.Wh at is your core belief? Whats the real reason you want a job in the first place? Is it the money?Nope.Is it the title?Nope.Although some would argue that point, the truth is muchdeeper than this. Lets take a college degree, for example. If you have one, why did you pursue it in the first place? Was it to get the degree?Nope. Not really.Was it for the discipline of completing the program? Absolutely not. (If so, we need to talk)No, you pursued that degree becauseof the things to which it would give you access.Hopefully, you see where Im going with this. Your core belief is the common denominator behindall of what you do.Uncovering Your Core BeliefsI met with a young man not long ago who welches interested in pursuing a career in residential real estate. I asked him why he chose real estate. He said it was because of the money.I said I didnt believe him. I told him that wasnt the real reason. I asked if he was committed to real estate. His answer was, Yes. He said theres the possibili ty of making good money. I agreed, but didnt believe it was about the money.Within a few minutes, as I continued to ask probing questions, wegot to the real reason. This young manwanted to create a lifestyle for his family where he would be able to send his children to the best schools, offer his wife the option of choosing her own career, and take family vacations. He wanted freedom and flexibility. Thatswhat he was committed to providing for his family. Real estate was simply the vehicle.When I asked if it had to be real estate, he said it didnt have to be.Whats thePoint? First, you need to get clear on what youre truly committed to. More than likely, the job is merely the vehicle. Being gainfully employed is important, but a job ismuch more than that. Being intentional aboutthe bigger picture may give you the wherewithal to choose more powerfully.Are you choosing something that will simply pay the bills? If so, understand thats what your job is for just paying the billsIs it for the opportunity to hone your skills,be challenged, and expand your knowledge? Then youre laying planks on the path to the values to whichyoure ultimately committed.Whats your (life) plan? Instead of looking at a job or occupation as a separate issue, you should incorporate your profession fully into your life.Whether you are an employee or own abusiness, most of your waking moments will bespent working. Why not spend that time doing something you enjoy?As has been said many times before, if you choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.That sounds pretty good to me.Reginald Jackson is an executive and leadership coach and the founder ofJoyful Satisfaction Coaching.