Choosing a career

Choosing a career can be a daunting task. Washington DC psychologist, psychoanalyst and career coach, Dr. Lynn Friedman examines the roadblocks that can get in the way and how to overcome them.

How do you go about choosing a career or identifying career goals? Ask a random sample of Washingtonians about their work-life and you will learn that it can be thrilling and wonderful -- terrible and miserable -- and everything in between. Ask them when they thrive and when they struggle, and you will consistently learn that work-life trials and tribulations break down into three categories:

How do you go about pursuing career goals?

1. What do I want to do with my life
2. How do I go about pursuing my goals?
3. How do I galvanize myself to get started?

What sort of help will prove useful in defining and achieving your work life goals?

Here in Washington DC, arguably the work-a-holic Capitol of the country, many professionals lament that they are not-entirely-fulfilled in their jobs or that they do not have enough time for family, friends, hobbies and community involvement. Yet, they are uncertain about how to go about changing their situation. Moreover, they lack clarity as to whether they need professional help. And, if so, what kind? Some ask, "how do I know if I need psychotherapy, career coaching, family support or something else."

These are important questions to ask because, often, people pursue work-life coaching or psychotherapy without first undergoing a thoughtful psychoanalytically-informed, career assessment designed to develop a deeper understanding about what sort of help would be most useful in achieving their work-life goals. Those who discover that career coaching is warranted may be unsure as to how to select a career coach.

Read more about how whether to pursue psychotherapy or career coaching.