Latest figures put the US unemployment rate at approximately 10 percent.  That can be a daunting number for those hoping to find a job.  The nightly evening news paints a desperate picture of unemployed America.  Interestingly enough most of the job seekers I know are upbeat and hopeful.  Many have been at dead end jobs for years, just going through the motions of keeping that job.  They have told me that losing their jobs has been liberating.  One client who had been at the same mind numbing job for ten years said she was looking forward to reinventing herself and very optimistic about her options.  One thing that the 10 percent rate of unemployment has done is to remove any stigma about being unemployed.  Liberation and acceptance - unemployed is a powerful and creative place to be.

Many unemployed individuals are coming up with inspired ways to re-enter the work world.  Some are choosing to go back to school for an advanced degree or specialty, such as nursing.  Others are taking a closer look at what their strengths are and what makes them happy.   As a coach it is very gratifying to help someone discover their talents and passions and develop a plan to use those to earn an income.  One of the best ways to jump into unknown waters is to volunteer your talents.  “Volunteering and pursuing avenues where you excel…can ­help career-changers make the best of the situation”, said Mary Beth Sammons, author of “Second Acts that Change Lives: Making a Difference in the World.”  (Alban, 2009)  Not only do you get some experience under your belt, but the enthusiasm you feel when doing something that is worthwhile and exciting can really accelerate your career move.  Not being tied to that 40 plus hour work week allows you to explore, create and network. Take advantage and enjoy.

Unemployment may not be a welcomed situation, but we are learning that it is not always a bad situation either.  Remarkably, we are seeing a recent trend where some top managers of large companies are up and quitting their jobs without having another offer lined up.  These mavericks are announcing to the business world that they have higher aspirations and they have the courage and self confidence to pursue them.   “The decision to quit a senior position to look for a better one is unconventional, to say the least. For years executives and headhunters have hewed closely to the rule that the most attractive CEO candidates are the ones who must be poached.” (McGregor, 2009) Changing the rules of the game and making it your game- that is exactly the type of attitude I strive to uncover in people.

As a result of hard economic times we realize that employer provided health care coverage and 401K matching may be a thing of the past.  What we aren’t hearing is that now is the time for the American worker to define who they are and where they want to be.   Whether it is a career change, a company change or starting a small business, we Americans are overcoming fear and leaping towards advancement and self-fulfillment.  The shame of unemployment, the allure of company benefits and panic of the unknown no longer imprisons the American worker.  I find this an exciting time for all of us.  As history has taught us, Americans will persevere and inspire.  I urge you to think about your aspirations and encourage you to invest in yourself.  No time like the present to be proactive.  Define, commit, achieve – let’s do that together!

Alban, D. (2009, July 6). Laid-Off Workers Find Fulfillment in New Careers. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from CNN: www.cnn.com/2009/living/worklife/07/06/career.change/index.html

McGregor, J. (2009, November 5). Top Managers Are Quitting Without a New Job. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from Business Week: www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_46/b4155072824076.htm?chan=magazine+channel_what’s+next

Using a Life Coach may not be something you have considered before, but it is something that can help a lot of people who may not realize they actually need it. Being more specific, Life Coaching can help guide you through your important life decisions while assisting you in prioritizing your goals and work on a path to achieving them. A lot of people do not even realize they are using up excessive amounts of time and energy in the hope of accomplishing their life’s goals. By working with a Life Coach you can learn to concentrate your efforts so that you can see a valuable change in your day-to-day life.

If you are considering whether you should use a Life Coach or not, then one thing you can do is to sit down and figure out where you are in your life and where you hope to be in five years time. You should be making some progress toward this goal but if you are not, you might consider asking someone who is involved in Life Coaching for assistance. You will also want to make sure you research the person you are considering hiring as your Life Coach so that you find the right person for you. Since there is no government regulation for coaching, you will need to rely on word-of-mouth and solid reviews from current and previous clients. Be sure to check out the references thoroughly before hiring your Life Coach.

And choosing the right Life Coach is an important decision. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together discussing your personal life and goals. This is why I make my client testimonials available on my website and refresh those about once a quarter. It is also why I am willing to give references to new clients. In addition, my first consultation is complimentary and can be conducted on the telephone or in person and the ongoing coaching can be conducted on the telephone or in person as well. If you’re considering hiring a Life Coach who is not able to provide results, references or flexibility, then you may want to reconsider. There are many coaches to choose from and you want to find the one that will work best for you.

Carroll King Schuller is the Business & Life Coach for Fast Thinking Adults. As your intuitive guide, creative inquirer and thought clarifier, Carroll is the coach most likely to “get you.” Fast! Please call Carroll on her confidential office line at 804.288.0099. She’ll be happy to schedule your complimentary first consultation at a time that is convenient for you.

Some people are uncertain if they need a business coach. After all, if you can’t get ahead in business on your own, isn’t that a sign that you aren’t meant to succeed? Experienced business people know better—asking for assistance is always a smart business move.

Working with a business coach can be challenging at times. You must make a commitment to yourself to keep an open mind in order to get the most out of your sessions.

You must be prepared to listen to what someone has to say about your business and your life in general. A business coach will make suggestions on how you can change your life, and if you aren’t open to hearing any sort of criticism, you will spend more time arguing with your business coach and not enough time discussing how to work on your weaknesses.

Likewise, a business coach may make suggestions that you simply don’t like. However, these suggestions may be the best advice you could get on a topic. If you’re not willing to at least consider them, you are wasting both your time and your business coach’s time.

Be ready to listen to everything your business coach suggests, even if it’s something you initially think is not a good idea. You may be surprised to realize that something you at first thought was horrible is actually the best solution.

One of the biggest parts of working with a business coach, especially at first, is learning about your weaknesses and areas in which you need to improve. While no one likes to hear that they’re doing something the wrong way, you can’t get back on track in the business world without learning what you need to change.

Keep an open mind and be honest with yourself and your business coach, and you might see your career—and your life—turn around faster than you ever thought possible.

Ready to start working with an experienced business coach? Call me today at 804-288-0099 for a free consultation!