This was the first time I had been to Boise. I had two experiences that stood out for me: inner Tubing down the Boise River and eating dinner at a Basque restaurant.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Empowerment Tour's trip to the river. It was relaxing to allow the currents to move me along, though every so often I came upon more intense waves where I felt out of control, a bit scared and I ended up getting very wet. Though I have to admit, it made for a more exciting adventure. Every so often I had to navigate myself out of a tangle of weeds and tree branches. There were also some rocks along the way, and one time I got stuck.
Sounds pretty much like life… pretty much like the job search, and what the people I am seeing are going through. Many had allowed the currents of their previous job to keep them safe as they floated along. The lay-offs created some intense feelings, where they feel out of control and scared, though there is often a feeling of excitement about what might be ahead for them. The process can be rocky and one often gets stuck. Eventually the current shifts, there is a new perspective, a new idea, a regeneration of energy and hope.
I also enjoyed the Basque dinner. There is a strong Basque community in Boise and I am glad they keep the culture going. The food was authentic and unique. It was deeply satisfying. Relating this to the people I see, it is important for them to identify and promote what makes them authentic and unique. It is important to communicate what distinguishes you from dozens or hundreds of people applying for the same position. Unless, you pay attention to what really excites you about your work, and what you have to offer, there is less chance you will be remembered.
Many of the people I chat with have a significant life experience that is the source of their interest in a particular career: Sam has a strong interest in forensics. It originated when he observed the experts going through the crime scene after his father was found shot. The shooter was found guilty, his father lived, and so did a deep emotional connection to the field.
As a result of many negative experiences in a business setting, Cynthia is interested in getting a doctorate in organizational development so she can influence the business culture to be more humane. Keith, a former felon, wants to work with teen boys to give them confidence and keep them out of prison. Sylvia has worked as a manager in a health care setting, has a knack for computers and is a cancer survivor. This combination will prepare her well for the emerging field of health informatics.
My interest in the field of career coaching, originated from observing my parents. For a variety of reasons, both didn’t have the opportunity to follow their career dreams, and though they had many pleasures in their life, both regretted not being able to express their talents in the workplace. The desire to create meaningful work for myself and inspire others was reinforced by my experience working in some tedious summer jobs: a file clerk in a greeting card factory and quality control in a pants factory.
Typically if people have a strong passion, I suspect there was a circumstance in their life that led them to this. I suggest you contemplate what led to your desire for a particular profession. Once you get in touch with that, I expect that your passion and enthusiasm will be perceived as authentic and powerful.
What experience led to your current career interest? Let me know, I am interested.
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