Big Goal, Low Confidence
Aaron was in the last month of a master’s program for new K-12 teachers. He had a big portfolio project and online assessment to complete so he could look for a first-time teaching job. Being a teacher was a long-held dream for him, but he had a track record of starting on a new career path and losing heart after a year or two. Because of his history and negative stories, he was really struggling with accountability and confidence. When we first talked he had decided to let go of teaching dream and go back to old job but reached out for one last attempt to get support and follow through.
Together, Aaron and I surfaced and examined old beliefs about not being committed enough to follow through with important commitments. He developed a new identity as having a call to teach and being determined and steadfast. We created a step-by-step plan to complete heavy-lift requirements for graduation including hands-on mentoring from a fellow student with a track record of meeting deadlines. Aaron negotiated new commitments with spouse and family to start new teaching job by a specific date and asked for their support and encouragement.
Results:
- Awarded Master’s in Education on time!
- First teaching job at an elementary school for children on the Spectrum (his dream job).
- Self-respect, and the respect of his co-workers, students, spouse and family.
- Increased confidence – a new story about himself that he was determined and capable.
Some resources referenced: Getting Things Done, Steering by Starlight, The Courage to Teach
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Feeling Stuck
Esther was feeling drained and pressured in a leadership-level job at a large health research institution. She used to love her job – it was created for her by the CEO who was about to retire. She was bored AND she saw writing on the wall that she could easily be scapegoated for challenges left unmet by her retiring mentor. She had been with the organization for 10 years and in the research field for 15 years. Not only was she tired, she was uncertain what she wanted to do next.
Esther and I acknowledged and worked through grief about changes in her organization that weren’t aligned with her integrity. We strategized about how to successfully navigate relationships with her leadership and other departments in high stakes negotiations. Esther completed exercises to gain clarity about her career interests and goals, which we then turned into a calendar for transition and a plan for networking and job searching.
Results:
- Successful pivot to a new job with a high-profile consulting company specializing in health-related research.
- A graceful exit from long-time employer with long-standing relationships intact and a great reputation.
- New contacts eager to meet with her and connect her with potential work.
- A resume and LinkedIn profile she loved, reflecting the depth of her skills and experience.
Some resources referenced: Body of Work, Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person
Please click here to set up a complimentary 30-minute phone or Zoom meeting to talk about how I can support you discover and fulfill your vocation!