In need of some career guidance? Here we look at some of the options available so you can find the right support for you
For many of us, we spend a great deal of our lives at work. For some it’s a calling they feel passionately about, for others it’s simply a way to fund their time away from work. Whichever camp you fall into, being unhappy at work can take its toll.
Feeling that sense of dread in the pit of your stomach as you think about the day ahead, knowing you’re either going to be bored, stressed or anxious at work, is a tough thing to experience. Perhaps you know what’s at the root of it and what needs to change, perhaps you don’t.
Maybe you don’t have that sense of dread, instead you feel restless. You don’t know what you want out of your career, you just know it’s… not this.
You may have started exploring your options already. Looking on job sites to see if anything jumps out at you or speaking to your manager about your unhappiness. Maybe you know you need to do some work on yourself to improve things at work, or maybe you’re fully aware you are not the problem.
Wherever you are, if you’re feeling stuck, lost and unsure how to move forward, you could benefit from professional support. Sometimes we need a guide to show us the way, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s look at some options you could explore here.
Career counselling - could a counsellor help with your career?
Typically we think of counsellors and therapists as people we go to when we’re struggling with our mental health, perhaps after a diagnosis of a condition like depression, for example. While this is of course true, counsellors can support in a range of different areas, including your career.
In this video BACP accredited therapist Caroline Plumer explains more about career counselling, the common reasons you may seek support and how to find a therapist who can help you.
If your mental health has been affected by work, or your mental health is affecting work, speaking to a counsellor could be beneficial. They can help you better understand what’s happening and help you manage the situation. This may mean making changes in your work life, or even discussing what’s happening with colleagues, if you feel comfortable doing so. It could also mean making a decision to leave your role and finding something that better supports your mental health.
Career counsellors can also help you to build resilience, navigate difficult conversations and relationships at work, and build confidence. They may also be able to support you with workplace bullying, work-related stress and low self-esteem, making work an easier place to be.
Career coaching - how can coaching support your career?
Career coaching is another option you may want to consider. The