We look at our watch, cell phone, wall clock or computer to guide the development of our day. We make decisons based on the time of day and ultimately we feel an internal symbiosis with time.
Our career development is likewise time sensitive. And, often the inability to make a career decision is a barrier to achieving professional fulfillment. It can be a persistent problem or a minor derailment. For instance, my good friend was recently laid off from a job that she complained did not offer a challenge and paid poorly. Now, she has the option to find work or attend school, but she hasn't made a move in either direction.The clock is ticking for her and many others that are unemployed. Afterall, this could be a defining moment and doing nothing should never be an option.
There are many reasons why we can't decide. It could be a lack of committment to the decision that we need to make. It could be a lack of support from family and friends. We may find it too difficult to ask for help or renegotiate our relationships. It could be fear of change or fear of success or any number of reasons that render us incapable of taking that first step.
So, what can you do it you find yourself in this situation? The first step is to foster self-awareness, acknowledge that you cannot make a decison and ask for help. Help can come in many forms, such as visiting a career one stop center for information and counselor assistance. Visiting schools that offer the program you may want to pursue, this will give you more clarity on the time and cost involved in completing a degree or certificate. Talking to family members and asking for support is crucial especially if their influence has been a significant factor in the past. And finally, give yourself a deadline for making a decison and taking action toward your career goal. If you choose to do nothing, what I call the "gutterball complex," chances are that you will fall into the same pattern of career inertia.
