It's time for new beginnings

Spring is in the air. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out. It's a time for new beginnings. This is reflected in an upsurge in clients asking for career coaching...People are deciding that they are fed up with their current situation but aren't sure what the "right answer" is. That's where I can help (http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php), but more of that later. Often dissatisfaction arises when the values which are important to you aren't being met. It needn't be so...

Quick Quote

"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." ~ Steven D. Woodhull

Which of your values are not being met?

Our values change throughout our life and often change considerably after significant events such as becoming a parent, losing a loved one, health issues or being made redundant. Below are a list of typical values. Try this exercise:

Write down all the values from the list below which are very important to you
Circle those very important values which are not currently being fully met. It is likely that these are your pain points
Write down the changes to your current occupation/situation which would help you fulfil those values (you may find this difficult)

Skills & Knowledge: Knowlegeable, New frontiers, Skillful, Complexity, Self development, Intellectual stimulation, Challenge
Creativity: Communicate ideas, express uniqueness, create beauty, create ideas
Control: Freedom, security, clarity, predictability, responsibility, precision work, take risks
Purpose: Achievement, helping individuals, helping society, making a difference, working towards common goals, see results, excitement, enjoyment
Status: High living standard, power & authority, command respect, promotion opportunities, influential, receive recognition, adequate remuneration
Environment: Public contact, fast pace, physical, outdoors, manual, ideal location, acceptable commute, variety
Culture: High morals and ethics, close relationships, supportive, competitive

Need help to work out how to fulfil more of your values? Contact me on 07764 235394

Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Current coaching

Career coaching stops you whizzing round and round the roundabout, wondering which way is the right career/business path. It will give you clarity, direction and fulfillment. Often clients find that they still want to stay with the same organisation but are able to identify a different role which will help them grow and fulfil their ambitions (See the testimonial below). Other clients decide to take a leap and start their own business, but start alongside their day job - I help you find practical solutions. For more information have a look at http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php, or ring me on 07764 235394 to discuss how coaching will be able to help you.

My time to achieve courses are becoming more and more popular, with many people asking for individual, tailored courses and companies asking for bespoke training. The next group course aimed at small businesses and individuals from corporates is being held in central Edinburgh. More details are here: http://www.achievebalance.co.uk/services/time-to-achieve. There are only 2 places left so don't procrastinate!

Terrific Testimonial

Why I asked Anna for career coaching
Uncertain of the direction my career should be taking I asked Anna if she would assist with some career coaching in 2009. Although I knew I could simply continue going in the direction others expected me to, I was unsure if this was really what I wanted.

I decided on the direction I would like to take
I found it really helpful to talk through this with Anna as she listened intently, and she then provided a structured methodology and a tool to help analyse any jobs I would consider doing - and even some I would not for comparison.

Assessing all my job options against my values, motivations, passions and environmental criteria I was able to conclude that although I was in a very suitable job - which would allow me to progress my career one way - another I had considered would not only be extremely fitting, but would also give me new experience, new challenges and a better work-life balance. The move to this could be sideways or upwards (depending on circumstances) but it was also dependent upon an opening being made available which at that point it was not.

I got the job when the right position became available
Through continued support from Anna, I communicated my desired move to influential people and raised my profile. At the end of 2010 such a job became available and I was asked to apply for it, having made my aspirations known. I interviewed for it, clear as to why it was right for me, and I got it!

Thanks to Anna's support, I am now satisfied with my career
Anna enabled me to do some constructive and logical thinking about my career, and the holistic viewpoint has significantly contributed to my satisfaction with my career - both then, and now. Sharon, Senior manager

And finally

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