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LifeWorks

Barbara Sirois Babkirk, LCPC, is a career counselor with a record of success guiding satisfying career transitions for individuals ranging from executives and attorneys to artists and entrepreneurs. Barbara is the owner of Heart at Work, offering career counseling, outplacement and retention services based in Yarmouth, Maine. She is a frequent speaker on work-related topics and leads an annual women's retreat in the South of France.
August 23, 2007
What Matters Most?

Typically, topics for my blogs come from clients, colleagues or professional writings. However, my inspiration this time came from friends sharing their good counsel as I prepare for my daughter's upcoming wedding.

"Keep perspective, remember what matters most, and have a great time", is the advice from those whose wisdom I value most."

It occurred to me that this message has relevance beyond wedding planning, to many of life's milestones, including the transition to new work.

Here's how this advice might apply to someone in the job search:

Keep perspective. Your world can become very small and narrowly focused when you are seeking a new job. Waiting for the invitation for an interview, a job offer, or a response to your résumé submission, you might become overly focused, even a bit obsessed about the prospective employer. Resist the tendency to conjure up reasons why he or she is not contacting you in a timely manner and shift your attention to those things over which you have some control. Remind yourself that while your job search is first and foremost on your mind, it is hardly the same for the employer.

Remember what matters most. When you begin to evaluate your job options, know what you most value. Consider past work experiences, what was lacking and what you appreciated as you formulate a list of "must haves". Recognize how work fits into your overall life and know what's important in order for your life to work well and feel somewhat balanced.

Have a great time. This may be a stretch when you are counting the weeks until your final paycheck or feel miserable in a job you want to leave. But, this advice may be just what you need in order to move forward in a better frame of mind. Take time to do something enjoyable, like walk the beach or have lunch with a friend. Don’t let a negative mindset or worrisome thoughts get the upper hand. Stay focused on the outcome you desire and engage in activities that will bolster your spirits.

Posted by Barbara Babkirk at 08:40 AM

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