Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

Now What? Q & A

Now What? Q &A-Is it the right time to start the program?

By on

Today’s question is one that is often asked by our readers and is answered by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.                                                                                                                                        

Question:

How do I know if this is the right time for me to start the Now What?® program?

Answer:

Here are some examples of other people who considered the same question of when to start.  Perhaps you can relate to them:                       

Norah, a Benefits Manager in Seattle Washington, was eager to look at her career options and had given herself a deadline for deciding whether to stay on the same path or try something new.  She was happy to find the Now What?® program but wondered about being able to devote the time and energy it would require as she was also working on other goals:  delegating more at work, organizing her home and office, and reducing what she called a “state of clutter”.  Norah’s instinct told her that her hesitation had more to do with her habit of procrastinating as well as some jitters about anticipated changes that might result from this work.  She decided to go ahead and begin the program with my reassurance that she could give herself permission to adjust the pace if needed.  Norah was pleased to discover that the first trio of chapters in Now What?® are about moving through “blocks to clarity” and this supported her goal to reduce clutter.  Reaching the midpoint of the program, Norah had made significant discoveries about what makes her unique and what brings purpose and meaning to her work.  She is now looking forward to researching potential fields of interest however has decided to take a break before completing the second half of the program, so that she can focus exclusively on specific health issues that need to be addressed.  For Norah, this is the right decision at this time.

Mark, a software analyst, tells me that he’s had the Now What?® book for a few years and while he’s made some discoveries on his own, he is ready to go deeper by working with a coach.  Mark thinks he’s allowed the status quo for too long and now feels a sense of urgency to first identify and then make the changes that will bring him greater fulfillment in his career and allow him to spend more time with his family.

When Anita, an IT professional, first began the Now What?® program two years ago she had a dual strategy of: 1) finding a new job as soon as possible so that she could leave a stress-filled work environment and 2) doing the creative soul searching about where she might ultimately want to take her career.  Anita has since changed jobs and is working in a much better environment.  She is also pursuing a variety of interests outside work that are bringing her much enjoyment.  Anita comments that she only wishes she had started the Now What?® program sooner and advises others not to wait.

Only you can say when it’s the right time to invest your energy in making a change.  While it’s important to check your commitment level and be willing to make some time for the work, it is not necessary (or possible) to wait for all the ducks to be in a row.  The bottom line is that if you are drawn to this work, then pay attention to that inkling and take a step to find out more.  Pick up the book, take the quiz, talk to one of our coaches, or sign up for the The Now What?® Newsletter and come to the next community call hosted by Laura.  What is telling you that it’s the right time to move forward?

Now What? Q &A: Back to School?

By on

Today’s question is one we are often asked and is answered by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.

Question:

I will need additional training for the field I’m interested in but when I think of going back to school, it feels like it will take forever.  How do I decide whether to start a training program?

Answer:

Whether it’s a specialized certification or an advanced degree, the thought of spending a year or more in an educational program can seem like a long time.  Yet if you are drawn to this new field and the thought of working in it feels right, then the best thing to do is to go ahead and begin.  The time will pass anyway and it will go by faster than you think.  This was exactly what my client, Marissa, observed after earning a Master’s degree to become a therapist.  Prior to that, she already had her MBA and had been working successfully in a corporate environment.  Marissa hesitated before jumping into another Master’s program, but her genuine interest and passion for the field helped her conclude that it was the right move.  After completing the program and looking back now, Marissa is happy with her decision and with her new career as a therapist.  Her career plans continue to evolve.

So that’s one way to look at it: that time passes quickly and it’s highly likely that taking action in a direction that interests you will pay off.  Moreover, you may not need to wait until you complete the degree or certification in order to start working in the new field in some capacity.  If you’re still unsure about whether to enroll in a particular program, take a few introductory courses to test the waters.

A final thought to consider is that if you are like Joanna, a woman who describes herself as an educational junkie –she loves to learn and would take courses all the time if she could– then you will want to check yourself before handing over that tuition.  Joanna came up with questions to ask herself when evaluating training programs:  Do I really need this credential in order to do what I want to do?   How will it help me move forward?  Will I enjoy this program?  Will I get my money’s worth?  By asking these questions or similar ones, you can get to the bottom of your motivation and ensure that you’re not just telling yourself you need another credential as a way to avoid moving outside your comfort zone.  You may already possess all the credentials you need to move forward.

Tomorrow’s post will have more information about continuing education programs.  We also recently posted a related article about internships as a way to transition careers.

Now What? Q &A: Help Others to Help You

By on

Today’s question came from a caller from New Jersey during a recent Community Call and is answered by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.

Question:

I’m working my way through the Now What? program and am on Chapter 11.  Can you elaborate on what it means to “correct the behavior” of people in your life who are trying to be supportive but say things that aren’t necessarily helpful? 

Answer:

Chapter 11 is about setting up a support team, something that can make all the difference when you are getting ready to make a big change in your life.  A movie scene from Jerry Maguire comes to mind when Jerry says to Rod, “Help me help you.”   One way you can help people who are on your support team to help you is by getting specific and informing them of exactly what would be helpful vs. not so helpful.  This can also mean asking someone to stop doing certain things.

For example, if you have a friend who likes to jump right in with advice and what you really need is for someone to listen without trying to fix things for you, you’ll need to tell your friend.  You can say: Linda, sometimes when I share a challenge I’m having, rather than solving it for me, what I’m really looking for is for you to just listen because that helps me process what I’m saying.  Is that something you’d be willing to do?

It’s important to note that some people will respond positively to your requests and others might not.  At that point, you can assess whether that person is really someone whom you can count as part of your support system.

Now What? Q &A: Your Money or Your Life?

By on

Today’s question came from a caller from Alabama during a recent Community Call and is answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

I’m in the process of training for a new field but I’m also concerned about my retirement.  Should I just be thinking of my nest egg instead of changing careers?

Answer:

My father was a first generation American and the first to go to college in his family.  He became an engineer and spent 32 years with the same company, only to be fired 18 months short of retirement.  Over the years it was clear that he hated his work and I begged him to change jobs.  But he felt he had to stay and put the kids through school.  So I understand the issues you’re raising about financial planning.  It’s certainly not about just throwing caution to the wind, yet sometimes you have to put your soul ahead of your wallet.  Who knows how long you’ll be working?  And the truth is we don’t know how long we are going to live, either.  It’s a matter of balance.  You are saying you have 20 years until retirement but maybe you’ll be working even longer, so try out a few things and give yourself some time.  Experiment, moonlight, volunteer, and see if you strike upon a passion while also looking at whether that passion can make you money.  People are being forced to reinvent and that sometimes includes a bit of their past that was previously overlooked up until now.  It may mean taking chances.  Did you see the story we ran about the laid off autoworker who turned professional bowler?  It’s possible to merge the things you naturally enjoy with your livelihood if you remain open to how that might happen.

Now What? Q &A – The Golden Thread in your Life Story

By on

Today’s question came from a caller from Philadelphia during a recent Community Call and is answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

I’ve been working in the HR field since graduating college and have been at my current company for eleven years.  Recently a boss whom I considered a toxic influence has moved on and things are a better, more status quo.  I’m trying to figure out a good transition job to see if I can still enjoy HR before deciding if I want to step out of the field entirely.  I’m working with the Now What book but I’m struggling with the Life Story exercise.  I’m stuck in the analysis of it and can’t find what you call the Golden Thread.                                                                                       

Answer:

Your life story is what formed you and there are themes there.  You’re probably working way too hard at analyzing the story and it would be helpful to have someone else look at it.  For instance:

  • What were the things you excelled at in grade school and high school?  
  • What did you get accolades for in your younger years?
  • What were your dreams when you were younger?

In answering Laura’s questions, these are some of the things that were mentioned:  traveling, going to new places and having new experiences, discussing things, and asking questions.

Laura: All the things you’ve mentioned have the theme of discovery in them.  You like exploring and digging for answers like an archaeologist.  This is a “golden thread” for you and one of the overriding themes in your story.  Traveling might be a good way to get back in touch with that part of you and take some time to remember that feeling you are looking for in work – that discovery sense.  Even if it’s not far away travel, it will be good for you.  So this is one of the clues your life story is showing you.  As you consider your options, look at them with the frame of:  Where can I tap into this discovery mode?

Our caller was instantly lit up and encouraged.  She had never noticed the theme in all the things she liked to do.  She saw how that was missing in her work and why she’d grown restless.

Now What? Q &A: Franchise with a family member?

By on

A caller from Spokane, Washington presented this question on a recent Community Call; answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

I am a registered nurse and fitness trainer and recovering from knee surgery.  I don’t want to leave the industry but I know it’s taken a toll on my body, so I’m trying to figure out what’s next.  There is the possibility of opening a franchise with my brother.  Even though he’s been successful with other franchises, I’m feeling a bit fearful.  Do you have any thoughts that might help me assess this opportunity?                                                                                              

Answer:

As a post-op patient, you now have something in common with  your clients and patients.  It’s clear from what you’ve described that you don’t want to leave the industry.  While I’m not an expert in franchises, there are some issues to consider regarding money and risk and going into business with a family member.  You’ll want to talk about things such as: your expectations, roles, escape clauses if it doesn’t work out, and how this with affect your relationship with each other.  It’s essential to have that conversation first, yet many don’t.  Research is also important.  It’s great that he has a track record, however you want to weigh the risks and not necessarily mortgage your whole future.  In other words, think about how much you want to invest.  Is it all your dime or could you have a small ownership piece and be one of his managers?  Perhaps you could pay as you go and buy him out over time, so that your initial risk is lower.

Also, I find that a lot of people will have a theme throughout their lives.  I encourage you to do some of the exercises from Now What? (especially chapters 4 and 5) and see what your purpose is and what these themes are.  Your purpose may have transmuted over time and changed vehicles, i.e., nursing was first and now there is another vehicle emerging.  You want your discoveries in this exercise to be your guide for this franchise opportunity.  Does it really match who you are or is it an ungrounded move?  The bottom line is look before you leap both financially and emotionally.