Do you sometimes find that as soon as you take that leap and
decide to make a positive career change, you’re met with criticism and
resistance from those around you? They tell you why it’s a bad idea and
try to persuade you not to follow your dream.

Luckily, it only
seems that way. One of the biggest challenges that many people in career
transition face is trying to convince their families, friends,
coworkers and the people who know them best, that change is a good
thing. At a time when everything is in flux, it’s tough for us to
reassure people we are headed on the path to success despite any
obstacles which may surface along the way. We may even be uncertain
ourselves! And because we frequently experience the most resistance to
our ideas from the people who mean the most to us, it can FEEL like our
core support system is caving in. But don’t worry, I assure you it’s
not!

As a certified career coach who has helped many people
overcome obstacles and who has paved the way for my own career, I make
sure my clients know where to find the best type of career support, at
the time when they need it most. Here are five sources where you can
seek out guidance, education–even commiseration!–during your career
transition period.

1. Career networking – both online and in person.

There
are tons of career-focused networks and resources on the internet and
in your local area. To locate them online, do a Google search. Check out
your home town paper to find out where the best career focused
communities are hiding. Go out and mingle with like-minded professionals
who are seeking a change in their own careers or who are currently in
the career you want to pursue. Participate in workshops, contact your
college alumni office or attend a networking event. The information is
there for the taking, all you have to do is seek and you shall find.

2. Individual career coaching.

On
my site I offer what is known as Co-Active Coaching – a style of
coaching that empowers the career seeker to find the right answers on
their own and navigate their career course in a way that feels right for
them alone. A good coach will never just hand you instructions, but is
there instead to offer expert advice, an objective viewpoint, positive
encouragement and suggestions to help manage your goals effectively, in a
manner that works for you.

3. A career seeking buddy.

Sometimes
it isn’t easy being that “horse of a different color” in your group of
friends. If everyone you know is consumed with their corporate job but
you have a strong urge to strike out on your own, you may get some
resistance from those who can’t relate or are fearful you might be
making a mistake. The solution is not to try to persuade the naysayers,
but instead seek like-minded people or a supportive friend to
commiserate with, share experiences with, and bounce ideas off of. It’s
so important to feel like you have someone who understands what you’re
going through during the sometimes unpredictable yet exhilarating career
transition time. You can find a career seeking buddy by following up
with some of the other points in this article–for example, visiting
online and in-person networks where career seekers converge, taking a
career education course or career teleclass and reaching out to
classmates, or even asking your career coach to introduce you to others
in her circle of contacts.

4. A mentor or someone who has “been there.”

Is
there someone in your life who you admire because they didn’t follow
the status quo, created their own path or just seem to be living out an
amazingly full and satisfying life and career? Maybe you have a friend,
relative, or acquaintance who started their own business or managed to
interweave creativity and flexibility into their professional life in a
way that stands out from the crowd. Now is a perfect time to ask for
advice and guidance from that person, listen to their story, learn from
their mistakes, and apply this knowledge to the changes that you’re
going through in your own career. Most people are more than happy to
share what they have learned. The experience is sure to be enlightening
and you will be making a friend and professional contact in the process.

5. Career education courses.

Newspapers, career publications, public libraries, online career resources and even my career website, http://www.HallieCrawford.com,
are all great places to discover reasonably-priced career education and
transition courses. Become armed with the knowledge needed to begin
your journey on the path to a more fulfilling career. I myself offer a
terrific and inspiring Career Seekers Teleclass that’s held several
times per year. It’s a fantastic support program for those who are
interested in coaching but either aren’t ready to invest in individual
coaching just yet, or really like the idea of participating in a group
where others are going through the same thing you are. For more
information, visit my website at the bottom of this article.

When
you’re striving for a positive change in your life, the goal is to seek
out experiences and people that help you pursue that goal, enhance your
knowledge, and offer positive feedback. It’s understandable that our
human support group won’t always exist in the places where we’re used to
having it… but help is out there. I have confidence that you will
receive the guidance and understanding you need to move forward with
your dream of the ultimate career for you. Good luck!

Copyright 2006 Hallie Crawford, Authentically Speaking. All rights reserved.