Jenn Williams was an individual client who was unhappy with her career path wanted to identify her ideal career. She has found something she loves and is on her way to making it a reality. Here’s her story. Thank you Jenn!
How did you uncover your dream job and what that was?
For a few years I felt as if I was just floating through life. I was working in theatre, a career I had worked hard for and thought I loved. But as much as I do love theatre, it felt like something was missing. That's why I started working with Hallie, I wanted to find out what was missing. Through the exercises we did together, I discovered what my true values are, what really matters to me in a job and in life, and what would leave me feeling fulfilled and satisfied at the end of the day. Through research, a lot of soul searching and with Hallie's help and insight, I found a career that I'm very excited about. I am pursuing my degree in Holistic Health and Life Coaching.
What steps have you taken to make this happen?
Once I knew what I wanted to do, I had to find out what tools and education I needed in order to pursue the career. I started researching schools and found one I fell in love with. I kept talking myself out of it because I was living in Virginia and the school was in Arizona. I wasn't sure I wanted to make that big of a move. But then I got laid off from a job that I hated at the beginning of June. I realized this was the answer I had been asking for. I had no reason to hold myself back from what I wanted to pursue anymore. I called the school that day and enrolled. I'll be starting classes on September 23rd and I couldn't be more excited.
What challenges have you encountered along the way, and how have you handled them?
I think the biggest challenge I've encountered along the way is myself. I tend to over-analyze situations until I talk myself out of something I'm unsure of. I assumed that the people in my life would react badly to this new adventure because it was such a switch from what I had done for the past ten years. When in reality, they couldn't have been more excited for me and supportive. It's the little gremlins in your head that can trip you up at every turn and keep you from doing what you want to do. You just have to learn to listen to them, and then tell them to shut up.
What has most helped you in this process?
The tools that Hallie gave me through our coaching have been invaluable. I'm much better at recognizing the gremlins when they pop up and stepping back to see what the issue really is. I still have my days when I freak out, but I'm much better at evaluating if there's a real issue I should address or if I'm just trying to trip myself up because I'm scared.
Have there been any naysayers? How have you managed to stay the course?
I've been very lucky that everyone in my life has been super supportive, more so then I thought they would be. I think that's a big part of what has helped me stay the course so well. I think the only naysayers I've run into have been my parents but only from a financial concerns standpoint. They're so excited about what I'm pursuing and they're so happy that I'm excited about a career again.
What lessons have you learned? What surprises have you discovered?
I've learned you have to have faith that things will work out. If it feels right and you know you're on the right path, some times you have to let go of the worries and trust it will work itself out. I've learned you get what you ask for. If you open your heart and ask for something, you'll get it. It might not be in the way or form you were expecting, but you’ll get it. I've learned you can't plan everything because it's going to change in ways you can't even anticipate. I've learned that people will surprise you in wonderful ways and that those who love you truly just want you to be happy.
How has this experience changed you?
For the first time in a long time I feel very at peace. It comes from feeling like I'm heading in the right direction and that I've found what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm more confident and stronger than I have been for a long time. I know myself better then I did when I started working with Hallie. I had been hiding some truths from myself because there were feelings I was scared to deal with. Now I realize that facing these gremlins and dealing with them allows me to move past them and truly be happy.
Any "words of wisdom" to share with others who are taking steps to create their own paths?
Listen to that little voice in you. We all have it and a lot of us choose to ignore it because we think we know what we're "supposed" to be doing. But supposed to according to who? Do what you love, do what inspires you, do what makes you happy. When you are doing what you're good at and what makes you happy, you bring more in to the world and to others then you can imagine. And really…that's what we're all supposed to be doing.
Tips from Jenn’s Story
- Listen to your inner voice and wisdom, not what you think you “should” do or what you’re “supposed to do.”
- Learn to manage your fears and negative inner voices that hold you back. Don’t let them stand in your way!
- Do what you love. You will feel more fulfilled, and you will bring more to the world and to others. Share your gifts.
Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Certified Career Coach
