The Process

Moving Forward | The Process

How do you sort through lifework questions?

"Lifework planning" is the process, repeated several times over a lifetime, by which an individual assesses, explores, plans, and makes decisions about his or her lifework. 

No one can tell you what would be a good "fit" for you.  To discover the lifework choices that will provide meaning and satisfaction, you need to narrow your opportunities, make decisions, and take action to achieve your goals. Your lifework consultant can help guide you in the lifework planning process by providing structure and support.

Lifework Planning Steps:

Because everyone's situation and goals are different, everybody's path will be a little different; however, there are some basic aspects to all career and lifework planning:

Who am I?

The first step is asking yourself the question, "Who am I?," which involves self-reflection and assessment. Self-assessment is the most useful and potentially rewarding investment you can make in yourself when you're re-evaluating your lifework. Honest, thorough self-assessment will help you understand what you really want and need in life, as well as what you don't want and don't need.

Self-assessment is the critical process of figuring out:

• What you enjoy doing (your interests and passions)
• What you're good at doing (your skills and abilities)
• What's important to you (your values)
• What makes you tick in your everyday life (your personality)
• What you've learned about yourself through your previous experiences
• What you want and need in life, especially from a practical standpoint

A lifework consultant can provide the objective structure and support necessary to complete this step, which might include:

• Asking questions to help guide you
• Arranging for you to take an assessment
• Giving feedback and offering ideas
• Suggesting assignments to help you reflect

What's next for me?

There are literally thousands of jobs and careers. Once you determine what you are looking for, you need to answer the question, "What's next for me?" This second step in the lifework planning process involves exploring and researching the world of work. 

This step involves a fair amount of effort on your part, such as thorough:

• Informational interviewing
• Library and online research
• Connecting with professional associations
• Taking courses and exploring educational options
• Job shadowing, volunteering, or interning

Your lifework consultant can provide the objective structure and support necessary to complete this step, which might include:

• Helping you brainstorm and connect to a variety of resources related to the world of work
• Coaching you in how to conduct informational interviews and arrange job shadowing
• Assisting you in finding professional associations and volunteer/internship opportunities
• Helping you explore courses and educational options
• Assisting you in locating volunteer opportunities

How do I get there?

Once you know what you are looking for and what your options are, you need to make a decision, develop a targeted action, and acquire the necessary skills that will enable you to get to where you want to go. 

At this third step, "How do I get there?" you will:

• Develop a résumé and cover letter
• Network
• Hone interviewing skills
• Develop salary negotiation skills
• Prepare to apply to an educational program and begin your education

A lifework consultant can provide objective structure and support necessary to complete this step, which might include:

• Reviewing the different résumé formats to determine the format that will be most effective for you and helping you develop an effective résumé
• Helping you brainstorm the "who" and "how" of networking
• Helping you prepare for interviews and salary negotiation
• Guiding you in applying to or registering for educational programs

How do I maintain meaningful lifework?

The fourth step in the lifework planning process involves finding lifework balance, pursuing a path of lifelong learning, finding expression for other "parts of the self," and figuring out how to achieve meaning and satisfaction when you retire.

At this step, you:

• Pursue other arenas to express other parts of the self
• Take your career to a new or different level
• Engage in professional development
• Pursue personal enrichment
• Continue lifelong learning

Your lifework consultant can provide objective structure and support necessary to complete this step, which might include:

• Brainstorming how you can fill in the missing pieces
• Discussing strategies to achieve lifework balance
• Suggesting lifelong learning options for professional development and personal enrichment