Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

Now What? Q & A

Now What? Q &A: Doubts, Fears, & Big Undertakings

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Today’s question is an excerpt from Ginny’s interview with lawyer-turned-chef, Andy Broder, highlighted in yesterday’s article.

GINNY: Once you decided to build your own studio, was there any point where you had doubts or fears arise?  And if so, how did you deal with them?

ANDY:  Well, I think there are always doubts. I don’t think I had doubts about specifically wanting to do it. I knew that it was for me going to be a big undertaking. I think that when you’re in the mode of saying, “I like this prospect and I think it’s going to be good,” and you’re being creative about it and you’re practical at the same time, and you’re applying tools to take ideas and turn them into something that’s a real thing, that if you are excited about it, you have concerns or those fears but you deal with them and you keep moving towards your goal.

Now What? Q &A: Laid off, where to go from here?

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Today’s question comes from a member of our community in New Jersey who participated in a recent Community Call, and is answered by:Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

Hi, Laura.  Like you, I’m an alumna of Montclair State University.  I was the first one in my family to go to college and after I graduated, I realized I had no professional models to look to.  Rather than work with children, which was my interest at the time, I became a secretary because I was able to make more money.  But now, I got laid off and I’m wondering where to go from here.  At this point in my career, I enjoy working with adults.  I have a 21-year old daughter and I’m not sure whether to go back to school or look for work elsewhere.  What do you think?

Answer:

I want to acknowledge you for the paths you pioneered in your family and  for modeling to your daughter what’s important in the world.  Of course security is important to you, but being laid off is an opportunity to change.  Just like the stock market corrects itself if it goes too far one way or the other, a lot of people now are getting to correct course as well.  If doors are not opening in secretarial jobs, for instance, maybe it’s now time to get to do what you want to do, after having done what you had to do.  I can hear in your voice that you’re a poised person and that you have a good personality and an honest work ethic, so remember to build on these things.  This may mean meeting people in person, networking, and talking to people you already know vs. just sending out resumes. 

See what other opportunities might be available and launch a multi-faceted work campaign.  Sending our resumes is not enough.  Paper doesn’t work as well as meeting people does.  When you get out there and meet people, you’ll be able to make your own opportunities.  For example, you mentioned that you work as a volunteer to teach English as a second language.  Do they need a program coordinator or other person on their staff?  Think creatively.   Every industry has people they need in support roles.  See what you might find just by being more aggressive.  Allow yourself to dabble, to try some things.  You’re going to have to get outside your comfort zone and when you do, just remember that discomfort = growth.  Go out and shake some hands.

                                                                       

Now What? Q &A: Resume when changing fields

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Intro:

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

Question:

For a person who is totally changing fields and going to school for the new field, how do you recommend changing your resume so you can begin working in your new career even though you don’t have experience yet?  For example, I’m going to school for computer networking but have done different work up to now.

Answer:

Resumes are indeed an art and while you certainly do not want to lie, it is perfectly fine to play up different areas even though it may be a bit of a stretch.  So, in your case, you might look back over your work history and note where you did anything with computers at various jobs you’ve held.  You can emphasize your past experience in a different way.  For example, say you worked in retail but used the computer for inventory days and were in charge of maintaining weekly reports on-line.  Since it wasn’t the primary responsibility of your job, you might not immediately think to mention it, however now that you want to highlight your computer expertise, you could also mention that you were in charge of electronic data collection.  It’s important to remain truthful and the point is to direct the person reading your resume to what you want to do now.  We know of one individual who obtained a job that was triple his former pay after sprucing up his resume and re-finessing his job title from Librarian to Information Management Specialist. 

As you update your resume, make sure it demonstrates the level of professionalism that has followed you throughout your career.  Also, anything you can do in your new field right now while you’re studying —even if it’s non-paid— will show experience.

Now What? Q &A: Transition, how long?

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

Question:

How long does it usually take for someone to transition to a new career?

Answer:

Once you have identified the new direction in which you’d like to take your career, the transition may take anywhere from six months to a few years, depending on your specific situation and how big of a change you’re making.  The typical experience is probably in the 6-24 month range.  If you’re the type of person who takes a long-term view and is, for example, planning to retire from one career and begin another, then you might create a 3-5 year plan.  More often, though, once you’ve identified your new direction, momentum will build on its own and change may very well happen sooner than expected.  So, the answer is that it’s shorter for some and longer for others.  Some people take more gradual steps and others take big leaps.  Often, an interim move may be the bridge.  One thing is for certain:  Once you commit to a new direction, create a plan, and start taking consistent action, change happens.

Now What? Q &A: What if I don’t have a purpose?

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Today’s question was submitted by a website designer in Randolph, New Jersey and answered by: Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.

Question: What if I don’t have a “thing”? What happens if I’m not able to identify my purpose?

Answer:

The desire to find “your thing” and fulfill your purpose in life can start off well-intended but when too much pressure is added to the mix, you can wind up frustrated.  It’s true that being able to articulate your purpose, the essence of who you are,  – what we call Life Blueprint® in the Now What? Program – brings joy and is an extraordinarily helpful lens from which to view your life and make decisions.  It’s also true that your purpose finds you.  And that’s great news.  Just by living your life with a heightened awareness of what you’re passionate about and what brings you joy, your purpose will find you.

Is taking a focused approach to discovering your purpose even worth it?  Well yes, here at Now What we think so.  What’s important though, is to enter into that process giving yourself room for discovery vs. trying to force an answer.  Ironically, this will help you find it more easily.  So on your search for PURPOSE with a capital P, simply notice what brings meaning and purpose on a smaller scale, every day.  This raising of your awareness will influence what you see, the decisions you make, and the opportunities that come your way.

Everyone who walks this planet –including you– has unique talents and qualities that the world needs.

Now What? Q &A: Crazy for wanting more?

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Today’s question comes from a Marketing Director in Atlanta, Georgia and is answered by: Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.

Question: Am I crazy for wanting more?  Shouldn’t I just be grateful for having a job?

Answer:

No, you’re not crazy.  Sometimes no sooner do you follow that inner prodding to dream than you are affronted with the thought: What am I crazy?   It’s one of those who-do-I-think-I-am squelches that surfaces to test your courage.  Don’t worry, it’s a natural feeling to have when you begin to specify what “wanting more” means for you.  Some people will even tell you outright that you’re crazy for considering a new path and that you should just be grateful for what you have. While gratitude is a powerful thing, it’s also true that if you feel drawn to explore something different, honoring that call is the first imperative. So, no, you’re not crazy… in fact you’ve never been more sane.