Lisa Orbé-Austin's Blog, page 6

#BusinessUnusual LinkedIn Live

#Business Unusual – Wednesday, May 13th @ 12pm EST

Andrew Seaman, LinkedIn New Editor, will be hosting a conversation between Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin and Dorie Clark (Duke & Columbia Professor and HBR Author) on how to cope with being laid off or furloughed during the time of the COVID-19. Click here to watch: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/linkedin-editors

 

 

The post #BusinessUnusual LinkedIn Live appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

The Origins of Impostor Syndrome

People ask me a lot about the book and some people are very familiar with Imposter Syndrome and some are not. I’m often asked if I am writing about people like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ people, who are duplicitous and trying to deceive others into believing that they are experts in fields they have no experience, knowledge, or credentials. These are real impostors. People with Imposter Syndrome are actually the exact opposite of real impostors.

The term, Imposter Syndrome, was coined by two psychologists, Drs. Clance and Imes, in the late 1970s after spending years counseling highly accomplished professors, administrators ,and students, who were extremely concerned with being exposed as a fraud. They often attributed their success to extreme overwork or relationships that protected and/or elevated them. People with Imposter Syndrome struggle to internalize accomplishments.

Imposter Syndrome is not a psychological disorder and over 70% of people in the US report that they have experienced it at least once.

Typically, when people struggle with Imposter Syndrome, you see the following behaviors, thoughts or characteristics:

High level of achievement
Tendency to deny ability and attribute success to luck, mistake, overwork, or a result of a relationship
Discounting of praise, feeling fear and guilt about success
Fear of failure and being discovered as a fraud
Not feeling intelligent
Perfectionism
Overestimating others, while underestimating oneself
Not experiencing an internal feeling of success
Overworking or self-sabotage to cover the feelings of inadequacy

Some people wonder how Imposter Syndrome develops and there are usually 3 typically early experiences:

1.    You were the “smart” one in your family, but smart meant that things came easy. So, any time you had to work at anything it felt like proof that you weren’t smart.

2.    You were the one who “works hard” in your family, which meant that things didn’t some easy to you. You came to believe that only through extreme hard work could you achieve anything.

3.    You didn’t get a lot of support from parental or adult figures and your achievements were methods of survival. So, internalizing your accomplishments feels difficult because survival is always in the forefront of your mind.

Imposter Syndrome is conquerable. You don’t have to be plagued by the fears and insecurities about your fraudulence. The first step is acknowledging that you may struggle with it and figuring out how it may have come to be. I will continue to share in the newsletter some of the often surprising ways Imposter Syndrome can show up in our professional life and how to decrease its impact.

What’s been your experience with Imposter Syndrome? How has it gotten in your way in your professional life? 

The post The Origins of Impostor Syndrome appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

IGLive Career Q&A with Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin

Follow Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin on Instagram at @drorbeaustin and each Tuesday at noon (though check each week as this may change) she goes LIVE to answer your career and job search questions. You can DM her your questions or ask them Live.

The post IGLive Career Q&A with Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

Hope Summit May 4 – 7, 2020

#HopeSummit – May 4th through May 7th

Free online job search related conference. Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin will be one of the keynotes sharing tools and skills to deal with the mental wellness aspects of search. Her keynote will take place on Friday, May 4th. Click here to register: https://hope.vyten.com

 

The post Hope Summit May 4 – 7, 2020 appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

Overcoming Work “Depression” to Thrive in Your Career & Increase Life Satisfaction

Do you dread going to work, and have difficulty getting out of bed every day? Does your mood shift on Sundays, as you think about going back to your office? Do you find yourself constantly thinking about work, even on your days off? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing work “depression.” Statistics consistently indicate that the majority of U.S. employees are not engaged at work, with figures generally hovering around 60% being “not engaged.” A lack of engagement can impact productivity and adversely affect life satisfaction. When the economy was in a recession, job lock reigned, with workers feeling stuck in a miserable job, due to a lack of other options. However, as we fully adjust to the realities of a new year, and as the economy continues to pick up, there are now more opportunities to seek a better job. Many workers are contemplating a change, some waiting for their yearly bonus, before opting for a different direction. However, although they are dissatisfied and recognize that they are in a better economy, a good portion of employees will not transition, and continue to be miserable at work. How do we account for such a discrepancy? One theory is that some of these individuals are suffering from work “depression.” While it is not an actual clinical diagnosis, I have coined the term to mean the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, lethargy, sleep disturbance, and mood disruption, which can be attributed primarily to one’s work situation. While some individuals may be suffering from an actual clinical depression, work depression is directly tied to a poor fit employment situation. When clients indicate that a poor manager or a stressful work environment, causes them to lose sleep or behave differently, they are evidencing possible signs of work depression.

 

The following are some recommendations to overcome work “depression” and to thrive in your career:

Validate your employability– many people are fearful of leaving a miserable job, because they lack the confidence that they will be able to obtain a better fit and a more satisfying job. Thus, they stay in a toxic situation, because it is “safe” and stable. They are resigned to an unhappy work life. However, once you are able to recognize that you actually have value in the job market, you won’t feel stuck, and new possibilities open up. Although change is difficult, the risk of a transition may be worth it, in order to improve your mood and your quality of life.

Empower yourself- part of the work depression is caused by feelings of helplessness. That is, you feel that you have no control over your work life. For instance, you may work unreasonably late hours, your schedule may be unpredictable, and you may feel that you are constantly on call. Therefore, you need to manage the boundary between your work and your personal lives. Make sure that when you are not at work, that you focus on other enjoyable activities, which will take your mind off of job-related issues. Authorize yourself to not constantly check your phone or your email from home, or worry about upcoming work concerns. By taking control of how much you invest your mental and emotional energies into work, you can overcome the feelings of helplessness.

Prioritize self-care– we can be so consumed by a difficult work situation, that we tend to forget about other aspects of our lives, such as self-care. It is important to find time to focus on activities, which bring you joy. Whether it is socializing with family & friends, exercising, meditating, or simply going for a walk, make sure to set aside time every week to take care of your needs.

Maintain optimism– it is important to recognize that your current situation is a temporary one, and that you have the power to find a more suitable job.   However, change is a process, and remaining optimistic throughout it is critical to a successful transition. Surround yourself with people, who can provide a positive outlook for you as well, and enable you to put things into true perspective.  Embrace a positive frame of mind, and decrease negative self-talk about your options.

Seek support- if you find that you are unable to overcome your work depression on your own, it may be useful to seek support. Many people are familiar with the concept of career coaching, which involves working with a professional toward career-related outcomes (e.g. identifying a new career). I now emphasize the concept of career therapy. Career therapy extends the coaching concept to include a more process-oriented approach. Through career therapy, the focus is not only on outcomes, such as applying for and securing a new job, but also on helping a client overcome work depression issues, such as a lack of confidence, decreased motivation, self-blaming, shame, and guilt. Working through some of these issues provides a client with the motivation to make a change, for the benefit of his or her overall wellbeing. Working with a career coach, who has mental health training, is most beneficial because he or she can help you differentiate between a clinical or work-related depression, and can assist you in overcoming some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

You don’t have to feel stuck in a job, which makes you feels irritable, unfulfilled, and powerless. You deserve a better fit position, where your talents will be appreciated, and you can feel like your optimal self. Let this be the year you overcome your work depression, and find an opportunity to thrive in your career!!

The post Overcoming Work “Depression” to Thrive in Your Career & Increase Life Satisfaction appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

Committing to Change: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Professional Resolutions

Each new year brings new resolutions. Typically this is the time of the year when people resolve to lose weight, be more responsible financially, quit smoking or find a new job. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, the odds are not in your favor in achieving those goals. Research indicates that only 8% of people are successful in achieving their New Year’s resolutions, while only 46% maintain it past the first 6 months of the year. So how will 2017 be different? How can you affect change in your career in 2017, when you may have been contemplating it for months or years? The following are some steps to making 2017 the breakthrough year for yourself in attaining your career dreams:

1) Be honest: Are you only interested or are you truly committed? Many people are interested in change. It is easy to imagine making more money, working in a better job, and realizing your career dreams. But to make change happen, you must not only be interested, but you must be committed. Commitment entails actual developing a plan, and maintaining a sense of discipline in executing the plan. It means changing your life routine to accommodate the goal. If you are not committed, then the motivation can wane, and interest will fade to resignation. By being honest, it will enable you to set realistic expectations. Interest is easy, commitment is harder, and requires an emotional and psychological shift for the change to occur.

2) Set specific, manageable goals. Rather than say, “I want to get a new job this year,” instead state, “I will update my resume by the end of January, reach out to 10 contacts by mid-February, and apply to 20 positions by the end of February.” By specifying the goals, and setting deadlines, it should keep your motivated to move forward and see small victories as signs of success.

3) View a setback as a lapse not a relapse. The reality of change is that it is more of a marathon than a magical sprint. You may be very impatient, and when results are not seen in a few weeks, you may give up. Such is the case for many New Year’s resolutions. For instance, those new gym memberships are no longer used after a few weeks of little or no weight loss. However, it is a process. When their motivation ebbs, many people view it as a sign they have relapsed into another failed attempt at change. However, it may just be a lapse, a momentary, temporary setback, rather than an actual relapse, which is a more full term backsliding. The difference matters, because it will help you to know that you can recover quickly from a lapse and continue with your goals, rather than a relapse which may require starting from scratch again.

4) Change your narrative. Many people make resolutions with the understanding that he or she will eventually be unable to achieve it. They have a failure narrative, a belief in their inability to meet their goals. Such a narrative is hard to change, because there is a fair amount of data (e.g. previous failed goals) that backs up this negative story of yourself. However, the good news is that a success narrative can be created, by attending to more positive data (e.g. how you were able to land previous jobs) about yourself. It is human nature to give more weight to negative information, than to more affirming data. But it is critical to point to the instances of accomplishment, which can bolster a new, true narrative about your ability to be successful in finding a new job, or a better fit career.

5) Collaborate with an accountability partner. we all need support in achieving our goals, even if we may not like to admit it. Therefore, it is important that you find an accountability partner, a trusted person, to whom you will report your progress, or lack thereof. Your accountability partner can be a friend, family member, colleague, or even a career coach. The key is that you are communicating with this person on a consistent basis, and are open to accepting their feedback to improve your chances of reaching your goals.

A new year brings new hope, and 2017 will be the one that allows you to breakthrough to have the career life you deserve. By following these steps, you will be able to achieve your career dreams and develop a template to apply to other areas of your life!

The post Committing to Change: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Professional Resolutions appeared first on Dynamic Transitions.

What is a content delivery network?

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Entrepreneur vs Employee: Addressing Dissatisfaction by Owning Your Path

Have you often thought to yourself, “I can do a better job running this company than my boss?” Do you fantasize about setting your own hours, and working by your own rules?  As more and more employees continue to be disengaged at work, one possible career path, which is not often explored, is that of being an entrepreneur. Many people think that they would love to be their own boss, and to run their own company.

Most people, however, shy away from the responsibility of owning a business, and would much rather have a consistent paycheck from an employer, no matter how unsatisfying it may feel.  We are generally socialized to be employees rather than entrepreneurs, believing it is only a path for the privileged. Despite the stereotypical image of a startup owner being a twenty-something White male, according to the Kaufmann Index on Start-up Activity, the percentage of new entrepreneurs, from the age of 20-34, has actually declined, from 34.3% in 1997 to 24.7% in 2015. During that same period, the new entrepreneurs in the age range of 55-64 increased, from 14.8% in 1997 to 25.8% in 2015. Further, according to a report commissioned by American Express Open, African American women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, with the number of businesses owned by that group growing by 322% since 1997. Therefore, it is evident that entrepreneurship can indeed be a viable path for many people. So what makes this path a feasible one for some, but a dead end road for others? The following are some factors to consider, when deciding whether or not being an entrepreneur might be an option for you:

1) Responsibility- as your own boss, you will be accountable for all aspects of your business. Whether it is payroll, finance, operations, human resources, you are expected to handle all these aspects for your business. While you can certainly outsource some of these functions, ultimately the buck stops with you. If you hire employees or take on investors, you will also be accountable to them. If you feel a bit queasy about having such a high degree of responsibility, you may wish to consider deeply & honestly if being an entrepreneur is an ideal option for you.

2) Work-Life Balance– while being your own boss can be attractive, most entrepreneurs will tell you that you will work more hours for yourself, than for someone else. Many have the fantasy that they can go to “work” at noon, clock a couple of hours, and then relax. That is rarely the case. If you like a consistent 40 hour workweek, this path may not be suitable. When you are an entrepreneur, it may be difficult to be “off the clock,” and you can find yourself working 12-15 hour days, including weekends. While maintaining work-life balance is still a critical aspect of entrepreneurial success, it definitely is a challenge to turn off your business brain when you are in charge.

3) Risk Tolerance– according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50% of businesses fail within five years. Therefore, becoming an entrepreneur is a risky proposition.  It is important to be honest about your risk tolerance. If you are risk-averse, entrepreneurship may not be a fit for you. Many variables outside of your control can impact your success. Market conditions, rapid technological advances, and changing consumer tastes can leave you at a disadvantage.   For every Google, there are more MySpaces, Netscapes, and Kozmo.coms. Risk is a big part of the entrepreneurial equation, and something to be considered strongly when assessing this path.

4) Level of Comfort with Uncertainty– in addition to risk, life as an entrepreneur is filled with uncertainty. Will that customer follow through with that large order? Will I get the line of credit that I need? Can I secure the patent, which can give me a competitive advantage? How will we make payroll this month? If you are uncomfortable with uncertainty, being an entrepreneur may be too much of a stretch.

5) Confidence- to be a successful entrepreneur, you must be confident in your vision, in your product or service, and in your ability to deliver quality results. Confidence does not mean that you don’t seek consultation, since it is important to listen to the advice of others. It also doesn’t mean that you stubbornly and blindly move forward with an idea or product which isn’t marketable. Confidence means that you will not treat every setback or hurdle as a major catastrophe. Confidence means that you know that you will put in the necessary work to make the business successful. If confidence is a struggle for you, it doesn’t necessarily close the door to entrepreneurship for you. Rather it means that you must work on building confidence, through coaching and performance accomplishments.

6) Humility- the image of the hard charging, ultra-confident Steve Jobs strikes many as the ultimate example of what an entrepreneur should be.   However, the fact is that most entrepreneurs who succeed are humble enough to seek help. They are secure enough to know what they don’t know, and to find experts in supporting them. You must be open to feedback about your business, and to be able to critically assess opposing viewpoints, for the benefit of your company. Being sensitive to criticism does not preclude you from owning a business but it is something that should be addressed.

 7) Stress Management- as mentioned above, part of being confident is to not let every barrier severely distress you. Managing stress is another critical aspect of being an entrepreneur. An aspect of entrepreneurship which is beginning to be discussed, but is still under-examined, is the mental and emotional toll it takes on business owners.  Recent reports of founders committing suicide or burning out, demonstrates the harsh reality of being an entrepreneur. Pressure from investors to launch a product, false notions that working 18 hour days is heroic & a testament to your drive, and the isolation which comes naturally with being the boss, can push entrepreneurs to not adequately address their mental health and stress management strategies. Therefore, a stress management plan should be integrated into your overall strategy. Meditation, mindfulness, adequate sleep, setting realistic expectations and boundary management between work & leisure are some ways to reduce stress for entrepreneurs.

8) Leadership Skills– some people like to be in charge of themselves, but not of others.   Growth in business requires strong leadership skills, including vision, ability to motivate others, conflict management, strategic planning, and focus on execution. Here is another area where effective coaching can help you bolster your leadership skills and your willingness to manage.

For many, entrepreneurship is the key to a happy and enriching work life. If you are exploring this option, considering the above factors will be beneficial to determining if it is a viable path for your success and satisfaction.

The post Entrepreneur vs Employee: Addressing Dissatisfaction by Owning Your Path appeared first on Dynamic Transitions LLP.

Entrepreneur vs Employee: Owning Your Path

Have you often thought to yourself, “I can do a better job running this company than my boss?” Do you fantasize about setting your own hours, and working by your own rules?  As more and more employees continue to be disengaged at work, one possible career path, which is not often explored, is that of being an entrepreneur. Many people think that they would love to be their own boss, and to run their own company.

Most people, however, shy away from the responsibility of owning a business, and would much rather have a consistent paycheck from an employer, no matter how unsatisfying it may feel.  We are generally socialized to be employees rather than entrepreneurs, believing it is only a path for the privileged. Despite the stereotypical image of a startup owner being a twenty-something White male, according to the Kaufmann Index on Start-up Activity, the percentage of new entrepreneurs, from the age of 20-34, has actually declined, from 34.3% in 1997 to 24.7% in 2015. During that same period, the new entrepreneurs in the age range of 55-64 increased, from 14.8% in 1997 to 25.8% in 2015. Further, according to a report commissioned by American Express Open, African American women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, with the number of businesses owned by that group growing by 322% since 1997. Therefore, it is evident that entrepreneurship can indeed be a viable path for many people. So what makes this path a feasible one for some, but a dead end road for others? The following are some factors to consider, when deciding whether or not being an entrepreneur might be an option for you:

1) Responsibility- as your own boss, you will be accountable for all aspects of your business. Whether it is payroll, finance, operations, human resources, you are expected to handle all these aspects for your business. While you can certainly outsource some of these functions, ultimately the buck stops with you. If you hire employees or take on investors, you will also be accountable to them. If you feel a bit queasy about having such a high degree of responsibility, you may wish to consider deeply & honestly if being an entrepreneur is an ideal option for you.

2) Work-Life Balance– while being your own boss can be attractive, most entrepreneurs will tell you that you will work more hours for yourself, than for someone else. Many have the fantasy that they can go to “work” at noon, clock a couple of hours, and then relax. That is rarely the case. If you like a consistent 40 hour workweek, this path may not be suitable. When you are an entrepreneur, it may be difficult to be “off the clock,” and you can find yourself working 12-15 hour days, including weekends. While maintaining work-life balance is still a critical aspect of entrepreneurial success, it definitely is a challenge to turn off your business brain when you are in charge.

3) Risk Tolerance– according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50% of businesses fail within five years. Therefore, becoming an entrepreneur is a risky proposition.  It is important to be honest about your risk tolerance. If you are risk-averse, entrepreneurship may not be a fit for you. Many variables outside of your control can impact your success. Market conditions, rapid technological advances, and changing consumer tastes can leave you at a disadvantage.   For every Google, there are more MySpaces, Netscapes, and Kozmo.coms. Risk is a big part of the entrepreneurial equation, and something to be considered strongly when assessing this path.

4) Level of Comfort with Uncertainty– in addition to risk, life as an entrepreneur is filled with uncertainty. Will that customer follow through with that large order? Will I get the line of credit that I need? Can I secure the patent, which can give me a competitive advantage? How will we make payroll this month? If you are uncomfortable with uncertainty, being an entrepreneur may be too much of a stretch.

5) Confidence- to be a successful entrepreneur, you must be confident in your vision, in your product or service, and in your ability to deliver quality results. Confidence does not mean that you don’t seek consultation, since it is important to listen to the advice of others. It also doesn’t mean that you stubbornly and blindly move forward with an idea or product which isn’t marketable. Confidence means that you will not treat every setback or hurdle as a major catastrophe. Confidence means that you know that you will put in the necessary work to make the business successful. If confidence is a struggle for you, it doesn’t necessarily close the door to entrepreneurship for you. Rather it means that you must work on building confidence, through coaching and performance accomplishments.

6) Humility- the image of the hard charging, ultra-confident Steve Jobs strikes many as the ultimate example of what an entrepreneur should be.   However, the fact is that most entrepreneurs who succeed are humble enough to seek help. They are secure enough to know what they don’t know, and to find experts in supporting them. You must be open to feedback about your business, and to be able to critically assess opposing viewpoints, for the benefit of your company. Being sensitive to criticism does not preclude you from owning a business but it is something that should be addressed.

 7) Stress Management- as mentioned above, part of being confident is to not let every barrier severely distress you. Managing stress is another critical aspect of being an entrepreneur. An aspect of entrepreneurship which is beginning to be discussed, but is still under-examined, is the mental and emotional toll it takes on business owners.  Recent reports of founders committing suicide or burning out, demonstrates the harsh reality of being an entrepreneur. Pressure from investors to launch a product, false notions that working 18 hour days is heroic & a testament to your drive, and the isolation which comes naturally with being the boss, can push entrepreneurs to not adequately address their mental health and stress management strategies. Therefore, a stress management plan should be integrated into your overall strategy. Meditation, mindfulness, adequate sleep, setting realistic expectations and boundary management between work & leisure are some ways to reduce stress for entrepreneurs.

8) Leadership Skills– some people like to be in charge of themselves, but not of others.   Growth in business requires strong leadership skills, including vision, ability to motivate others, conflict management, strategic planning, and focus on execution. Here is another area where effective coaching can help you bolster your leadership skills and your willingness to manage.

For many, entrepreneurship is the key to a happy and enriching work life. If you are exploring this option, considering the above factors will be beneficial to determining if it is a viable path for your success and satisfaction.

The post Entrepreneur vs Employee: Addressing Dissatisfaction by Owning Your Path appeared first on Dynamic Transitions.

Overcoming Work “Depression” for Career & Life Satisfaction

Do you dread going to work, and have difficulty getting out of bed every day? Does your mood shift on Sundays, as you think about going back to your office? Do you find yourself constantly thinking about work, even on your days off? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing work “depression.” Statistics consistently indicate that the majority of U.S. employees are not engaged at work, with figures generally hovering around 60% being “not engaged.” A lack of engagement can impact productivity and adversely affect life satisfaction. When the economy was in a recession, job lock reigned, with workers feeling stuck in a miserable job, due to a lack of other options. However, as we fully adjust to the realities of a new year, and as the economy continues to pick up, there are now more opportunities to seek a better job. Many workers are contemplating a change, some waiting for their yearly bonus, before opting for a different direction. However, although they are dissatisfied and recognize that they are in a better economy, a good portion of employees will not transition, and continue to be miserable at work. How do we account for such a discrepancy? One theory is that some of these individuals are suffering from work “depression.” While it is not an actual clinical diagnosis, I have coined the term to mean the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, lethargy, sleep disturbance, and mood disruption, which can be attributed primarily to one’s work situation. While some individuals may be suffering from an actual clinical depression, work depression is directly tied to a poor fit employment situation. When clients indicate that a poor manager or a stressful work environment, causes them to lose sleep or behave differently, they are evidencing possible signs of work depression.

 

The following are some recommendations to overcome work “depression” and to thrive in your career:

Validate your employability– many people are fearful of leaving a miserable job, because they lack the confidence that they will be able to obtain a better fit and a more satisfying job. Thus, they stay in a toxic situation, because it is “safe” and stable. They are resigned to an unhappy work life. However, once you are able to recognize that you actually have value in the job market, you won’t feel stuck, and new possibilities open up. Although change is difficult, the risk of a transition may be worth it, in order to improve your mood and your quality of life.

Empower yourself- part of the work depression is caused by feelings of helplessness. That is, you feel that you have no control over your work life. For instance, you may work unreasonably late hours, your schedule may be unpredictable, and you may feel that you are constantly on call. Therefore, you need to manage the boundary between your work and your personal lives. Make sure that when you are not at work, that you focus on other enjoyable activities, which will take your mind off of job-related issues. Authorize yourself to not constantly check your phone or your email from home, or worry about upcoming work concerns. By taking control of how much you invest your mental and emotional energies into work, you can overcome the feelings of helplessness.

Prioritize self-care– we can be so consumed by a difficult work situation, that we tend to forget about other aspects of our lives, such as self-care. It is important to find time to focus on activities, which bring you joy. Whether it is socializing with family & friends, exercising, meditating, or simply going for a walk, make sure to set aside time every week to take care of your needs.

Maintain optimism– it is important to recognize that your current situation is a temporary one, and that you have the power to find a more suitable job.   However, change is a process, and remaining optimistic throughout it is critical to a successful transition. Surround yourself with people, who can provide a positive outlook for you as well, and enable you to put things into true perspective.  Embrace a positive frame of mind, and decrease negative self-talk about your options.

Seek support- if you find that you are unable to overcome your work depression on your own, it may be useful to seek support. Many people are familiar with the concept of career coaching, which involves working with a professional toward career-related outcomes (e.g. identifying a new career). I now emphasize the concept of career therapy. Career therapy extends the coaching concept to include a more process-oriented approach. Through career therapy, the focus is not only on outcomes, such as applying for and securing a new job, but also on helping a client overcome work depression issues, such as a lack of confidence, decreased motivation, self-blaming, shame, and guilt. Working through some of these issues provides a client with the motivation to make a change, for the benefit of his or her overall wellbeing. Working with a career coach, who has mental health training, is most beneficial because he or she can help you differentiate between a clinical or work-related depression, and can assist you in overcoming some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

You don’t have to feel stuck in a job, which makes you feels irritable, unfulfilled, and powerless. You deserve a better fit position, where your talents will be appreciated, and you can feel like your optimal self. Let this be the year you overcome your work depression, and find an opportunity to thrive in your career!!

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