Career Counseling in Chicago – A Closer Look
By Jennifer Lawal, LPC
Do you remember the last time someone asked you–What kind of job do you do? Or Do you even like what you did for a living? The truth is, at one point in our lives, we have all been faced with these simple questions, and at times have the right answers and sometimes we are equally unsure if we should start thinking of yet another job.
The reality is Americans spend approximately one-third of their lives at work, and according to a study conducted in 2014, only 52.3 percent of people are happy with their current jobs.
With this in mind, there are a lot of people here in Chicago who on a given day are contemplating whether or not they have chosen the right type of job or if their current job will be fulfilling in the long term.
Let’s face it, many of us hold on to our jobs due to specific reasons (flexibility, benefits, upward mobility, location, etc.,) but even with all these reasons in place, we somehow experience a level of dissatisfaction, one that often impacts our ability to perform at our best.
Frankly speaking, being unhappy with your job/career choice can not only lead to a sense of being stuck, but it could also lead to variety of psychological issues that can be detrimental to your level of functioning–for example; onset of depression, anxiety, mood changes, increased agitation resulting in conflicts, a host of physical health issues, and so on. This is where career counseling can be of help.
You ask…Career Counseling, why?
Well, having the right kind of attitude and satisfaction with your chosen job or career path depends not only on an individual’s understanding of themselves but an understanding of their role (s) in the workplace. The majority of us are great at investing and developing our career, even believing that advancing my education will ultimately land me the perfect job. Yes!
While all of that is true to an extent, building a strong foundation for appropriate decision-making, skills, and identifying your interests based on your personality traits can make a difference between seeing your job as just a job to seeing yourself doing this for the rest of your life.
Why do I need Counselling for my Job?
That’s a great question! Why on earth would you pay a stranger to help you sort through your career path and provide clarity, guidance, and help you get started on getting the best out of your chosen career when you could just keep trying out different jobs and see which one fits best.
My experience working with most people is that–unlike getting counseling for anxiety or depression, the majority of the people in Chicago have a very limited understanding of the importance of career counseling.
Similar to pre-marital or marital counseling, career counseling can help you identify challenges that inhibit growth, help identify your strengths and weaknesses, the motivation for change, career options and clarity on the right career path.
The truth is, no matter where you are on your career journey, getting career counseling can provide insight, motivation, confidence and increase your level of satisfaction. Also, it can provide an underline understanding of your role in your workplace, and a much needed relief from daily dread of going to work, anxiety associated with performance, conflicts with co-workers, vulnerability, and fear of failure that is associated with your job/career.
Can I get Counseling for my job/career while treating other psychological issues?
YES! While there are several certified therapists and psychologists in the Northside of Chicago who specializes in providing career counseling, your individual therapist can also simultaneously provide counseling relating to job situations and decisions.
If you are working on your anxiety, depression, etc., and experience a job/career challenges or stagnation, you’re always welcome to share this with your therapist so he or she can include this as part of your treatment goals.
The good news is that ALL of our therapists here at 2SC are experienced and trained to counsel and address a wide variety of underlying job-related issues that are preventing you from having a successful and fulfilling career.
What Should I Expect from Career Counseling?
As with counseling in general, most people are often unsure where to begin, what to expect or what/how beneficial the process will be. Remember that similar to counseling for other issues, career counseling is a two-way therapeutic/interactive process between you and the therapist.
Though all communication is bind by confidentiality, the client has to be open and willing to assess their strengths and weaknesses and discussing possible fears relating to job/career difficulties. In addition, and more importantly, the client must be honest and set realistic career goals for their future. Lastly, the client must be open and accepting of possible changes that might result from counseling.
Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that as with all forms of counseling, getting positive outcomes and feeling better takes time and effort. The more effort you invest, the greater the outcome. Don’t be discouraged.
Some Benefit for Career Counseling
As mentioned early on, getting career counseling allows you to focus on your specific job/career circumstances and set appropriate goals to achieve your professional and personal goals. One of the biggest benefits of career counseling is that it helps an individual determine his or her true professional calling and maximum potential.
Whether you are a recent grad, a midlife career changer or someone who have been in the workforce for multiple years, career counseling could help you in the following ways:
Some benefits include but not limited to;
- Resume building
- Job search support
- Goal setting
- Identifying choices in careers
- Building interviewing skills/Negotiating salaries
- Educational or vocational training support
- Assessments and testings to identify strengths and weakness; for example, Myer Briggs for career discovery and exploration.
- Managing additional stress and anxiety associated with job transitions.
If you or anyone you know have been considering a career change, or starting a job search, or perhaps starting your own business, finding a career counselor or discussing this with your current therapist will help get you started on the right path to a successful career.
