Career Counselor Advice
A little over a year ago I changed jobs. The new job is still within my industry and while there are many benefits, including a much shorter commute and an environment that isn't toxic, it feels like a definite step backwards in my career. This has been very hard for me. I want to leave the job, though I'm trapped given that the shorter commute has been beneficial to my family, including my two kids. As a result, I've been depressed and anxious, with a notable drop in self-esteem. I've been thinking about seeking the advice of a career counselor because I really want to make sure that the next move is the right one for me - a better fit culturally and one in which I find more job satisfaction. I'm wondering if anyone has had any positive experiences with career counselors - have they helped you see clarity when you've felt lost and in a fog? Have they helped you reposition yourself when you're clearly on the wrong track? Or maybe a psychologist is the better bet for me? I'd love to hear about your experience and any guidance and recommendations that you can provide! Many thanks.
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Two words: Toni. Littlestone. Every session with her has been absolutely 100% worth the money and given me clarity, resolve, and strategies for career success. I've also made more money due to her excellent advice. Seriously, she is AMAZING.
https://www.tonilittlestone.com/
Hi, I had a great experience with Cliff Flamer at BrightSide Resumes. He really helped me move on from a position where I felt stuck and like I wasn't using my talents. He coached me and also rewrote my resume in a way that seemed too corporate for me but ended up getting me lots of attention and interviews and then I got my dream job (which is not corporate by any stretch of the imagination). Good luck getting through the fog! I hope you find the help you need.
Hi there, in addition to the resources you mentioned, you might also consider a life/leadership/executive coach (so many different titles these folks go by) as it sounds like you are working through several pieces at once - feeling trapped, questioning fit (which could lead to an exploration of values), loss of confidence, itching to make a change and seeking a clear actionable path forward. I’m in this field and happy to recommend resources if you’d like to discuss further. The work you are seeking to do is brave so I hope you find the support you are looking for.
I recommend Toni Littlestone. She is highly experienced and seems to have encountered every career issue under the sun. Last year I was feeling lost and she helped me figure out what I want and how to find it. Toni helped me and, separately, my spouse, on very different career issues, and we both came away advanced in our careers and optimistic for the future.
That sounds like a hard place to be. I strongly recommend working with Deborah Halpern who does sessions by phone - I love that this makes the process much more accessible and affordable than a traditional therapist or life coach. She is a transformational life coach - helping specifically with career changes, anxiety/depression and generally taking steps to change your life for the better. So compassionate and calm.
You should check with her about her current rate... recently it was $60/hour. Her website is myinnerlifecoach.com
I highly recommend Toni Littlestone, in Albany just off Solano Ave. I worked with her for several months while transitioning from a job I didn't enjoy, even thought it had a great salary. Toni helped me zero in on and articulate my skills, desires, and ideal work/life balance; then once I started looking for jobs, we worked closely on cover letters, resumes, and interview tactics. I now am in a job I love, and I credit her with getting me here. https://tonilittlestone.com/index.html