Responding to “I Can’t”: Non-movement in Career Development

Why are some employees unhappy in their work yet unwilling to search for another career? Hearing the words, “I can’t” elicits a variety of responses from the career development professional, who often want to know the reason behind the lack of movement. Client answers to “Why not?” may include “I’m too busy/afraid/needed” or other excuses about financial stain or dependencies, may mask deeper reasons such as lack of confidence or career indecision. Teaching, modeling and overcoming the “I can’t” response starts with caring conversations.  A career development professional helps the worker recognize that resilience permits the journey through the uncomfortable to learn how to be happier.

~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com

Photo by Ihor Malytskyi on Unsplash

FOCUS ON: Deepening the Understanding of the Struggle

Clients may say “I can’t” or “I’ve tried everything” but until their motivations are directed at understanding the journey, change may not be possible. The career development professional can point to exploring the lack of patience, the need to “feel good” and the external locus of control so as to help the client creatively form new habits. Read more.

FOR PRACTITIONERS: I’m Afraid

Some workers seek the help of a career professional because they need support to overcome fear and anxiety. Helping the client identify their specific fears, then breaking each fear down can show clients that seemingly large barriers are often imagined. Through questioning, addressing the unpleasant trials, and improving confidence, the client can learn to initiate change and focus on a hope-filled future. Read more about fear from Career Convergence.

JOB SEARCHING: I’m too Busy to Search

By first acknowledging that the job search is arduous yet worthwhile, the busy person can realize that a more satisfying career is possible. The dissatisfaction with the current work will only increase if efforts are not undertaken to get organized, identify priorities, practice time management, maintain a positive attitude and schedule the search. Busyness is the opposite of self-care and defers the journey to work-life balance. Read more from Fulcrum.

JOB SEARCHING: I Can’t Manage My Finances

Taking steps toward financial stability is not only a positive response to the worry surrounding an unstable job market, it increases confidence and the chance of securing a pleasing new position. Encourage the client to start with tools to save money (e.g., free job search websites) and building a budget-friendly wardrobe. Then reduce expenses through eliminating unnecessary purchases, like a daily coffee shop run. Finally help the client explore alternative sources of income, such as part-time gigs. Read more about managing finances from Bankrate.

TOP TEN: Ways to Enjoy the Journey

In order to not get caught up in the monotony of day-to-day life or to stop moving through the day like a zombie, the individual must increase awareness and take positive action. For example, keeping a gratitude journal, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and planning “nothing days” can all be part of enjoying the journey. Read all ten ways.

QUOTES

"On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.” ~ Gregory S. Williams

“Never say that you can’t do something, or that something seems impossible, or that something can’t be done, no matter how discouraging or harrowing it may be; human beings are limited only by what we allow ourselves to be limited by: our own minds. We are each the masters of our own reality; when we become self-aware to this: absolutely anything in the world is possible.” ~ Mike Norton

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