Overcoming the 7 Roadblocks Women with Families Face Making Career Changes

Family is the driving force of our lives. You need family to support you and in most homes you need money to support your family. You work to support your family but you usually end up spending little time with them because of your 9-5 job. According to a Gallop poll 70% of Americans hate their jobs.

Life is funny sometimes. Its so easy to find yourself in a job you don't love, in a career that doesn't drive you or longing for passion in our work. Sometimes we find ourselves there after even a long road of education in a field we were certain was the right choice for us.

The good thing about life is that it is forever changing; sometimes due to circumstances and sometimes due to personal choices. I would argue that we have many more personal choices that we think we do. For every reason someone gives me that they cant make a change, I can give them two reasons they need to.

There are certainly roadblocks that can seem to disable our dreams but I believe with the right beliefs, motivation, accountability and resources, all things are possible. Lets look at overcoming some of the most common obstacles women face making career changes that will allow them more time with their family.

1. Finding the right career that fuels your passion. How great would it be to wake up every morning and be excited to work? How about loving what you do so much that you talk about it with everyone you know? We are all born with natural talents and abilities. We use them when we are young and believe it or not we still use them every day. It's all about tuning in to yourself and recognizing what makes you tick. Tuning in means paying very close attention to the things you do in your regular routine that bring you great pleasure. What could you do for hours on end and never realize how much time has passed. What are the things you do every day that get your juices flowing. What "feeeeeels" good and motivates you to do more? And equally it is wise to look at the things in your life that you don't enjoy. What makes you cringe? What do you put off til the last minute? You know what I'm talking about! We all have those things and they are best not to be the things that take up the majority of our time. Take this first step and start tuning in.

2. Making the kind of money that will pay the bills and more. There are several jobs that pay a lot of money but it is up to you to define "a lot of money." You may need to look at the bigger picture. How much is it worth to you to be able to not commute an hour to work? Not only will you save on gas and wear and tear on your car, but also you will be saving precious time with your family. You can put a dollar amount on some things but not all. Now to determine what careers will bring you the amount of money that you have defined as "enough" or "a lot." Do some research. After you have gone through the exercise detailed above, you will be able to see what careers entail the things you enjoy the most. The Internet is a beautiful tool where you can see the salary ranges for different careers (http://content.salary.monster.com/?WT_srch=1&WT.mc_n=01;CRC;GOO). Maybe you want to branch out on your own. Having a life coach can significantly help you in figuring out what works best for you given your skills and what resources you will need to achieve your goals.

3. Keeping health insurance. There is a certain security to working for a company, paying a set amount of money every paycheck and not worrying about health insurance. There are several plans available to entrepreneurs and women in business that offer customized plans for your specific family needs. Check online for small business health insurance and check out the options. There are several plans that can meet your needs and when you are making the money you want - this will not be an issue and until then you can always take advantage of a cobra plan where you pay the group rate for insurance for a period of time until you find the right plan for you.

4. Sticking to your goals and staying motivated. This is a tricky one. There are several steps to creating your goals and then a different set of tools to help you stick to them. You may have more than one goal. Your first goal may be to spend more time with your family. You can begin doing this way before you determine what career you would like to move into. Another goal may be to leave your current job by a certain time. Yet another may be to make a certain amount of money in your first year. Breaking down your goals into categories will help you to stick to them more easily. Family goals, career goals and money goals are a few good ones to start with. You can expand your list as you see success with these first three. Don't get discouraged, many people try out goals and revise them several times before accomplishing them. Just remember they are yours - make them attainable and fun! As far as staying motivated it is hugely important to be extremely specific as to "why" you really want to accomplish the goal. I want to spend more time with my kids?good?but why? What about that is important to you or your family? I want to make $100K?good?but why? What will it make you feel when you accomplish that? Make sure you have a partner that can help keep you accountable.

5. Identifying resources needed. There are so many resources out there for you to draw from when making transitions such as this. There are internal resources; talents you have, people you know, places you have worked for, the list is endless. Tap into those when looking at making any change. What do I have at my fingertips that can help me accomplish what I'm setting out to do? Write these down! These are the skills I have, these are the friends family and co-workers that can help me, these are the places I have come in contact with that have things I may need to use. There are also external resources. Places that you have yet to tap into; the Internet; newspapers; people, again, the list is unlimited. This is where the work comes in. Identifying what is out there that will help you with your task at hand. Make it fun. Several people I have worked with have realized that it is very useful to have another person to brainstorm with.

6. Timing the transition. This is a very flexible thing. It may change as you accomplish certain aspects of your goals. You might feel the need to have all of your eggs aligned to feel comfortable making your move. Your family needs may change and it will be good to stay flexible here. Part of your goals will be attaching a timeline to certain things and when those things are accomplished you can then move on to the next phase of that goal or a whole new goal. Be patient with yourself and ask others to have patience with you too. As long as you are making progress and achieving successes you are headed in the right direction. Trust your gut; you will know when the timing is right.

7. Dealing with "nay-sayers." There will always be some skeptic ready to burst your balloon. Someone is bound to tell you that you cant do it, you shouldn't do it, or ask you why you aren't just happy with what you have. You and only you know what is best for your family and your family's needs. Trust yourself. If you are waking up every morning almost in tears at the thought of heading to work, then you need a change. People say things all the time for several different reasons. Some are envious that you have the guts to try something new. Some are miserable themselves and you know the saying! Some simply think they know what's best for you because they have lived longer than you. Some may even have great intentions by warning you about the risks and for that reason you should certainly explore the risks ahead of time so you come from a place of knowledge when the subject is brought up. With that said, go ahead and make choices to enhance your life and take the "nay-sayers" out to lunch when its all said and done. You will be happy to do it because you will BE happy when you are spending more time with your family while making all the money you need.

This report is brought to you by: Monique Houde - Founder of Freedom Coaching

www.opcweb.com/freedom

Monique has been working with people for over 10 years. She has coached people to start their own business, cheered them on as they exceeded their goals, coached many through difficult decisions, been a personal relationship mentor and celebrated great successes.

Time management, goal setting, moving through disappointment, weighing out choices, confidence building, soul searching and life balancing are just some of the skills that Monique's clients have learned through coaching.

For more information about working with Monique as a Life Coach and to receive your FREE 30 minute consultation please call 978-764-6600


More Resources

Writing A Resume That Gets You Noticed
As the old saying goes, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." In today's business world, of course, that first impression usually does not come from a face-to-face conversation, but from whatever you can tell your future boss about yourself on paper: your resume.
Jesse And Al Should Read This!
Instead of getting all bent out of shape over innocuous remarks made by the President of Mexico, perhaps the Lord and Prince of African-American Ideological Imperialism (that's Lord Jesse and Prince Al) should know just how Americans apply for those jobs they so vehemently claim Mexicans are stealing.The good folks at Careerbuilder.
How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews
Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice, practice, practice.There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Outplacement Firm
With today's economy, more and more companies are finding themselves faced with the situation of having to reduce headcount to remain competitive. Here are five key factors to consider when selecting an outplacement firm if your company is ever faced with a workforce reduction.
Ideal Job and Handling Criticism
How many times have you been asked, "What is your dream job?"Even if you document a dream job on paper, will you be happy every day in that job? Unlikely. Heck, you could work in your dream job for two different companies and end up being happy in one and miserable in the other.
What You Cant Ask a Job Candidate is as Important as What You Can Ask
As a human resources professional or business owner, you face many challenges during the hiring process, from sorting through stacks of job applicant résumés to making an attractive offer to the one person you believe best matches the specifications of your open position's job description. The whole procedure is more than time-consuming; it can be stressful as well.
Conduct An Informational Interview
Informational interviews are designed to get as much information as you can about the industry and career you're seeking a job in from people who are already in that career.Many job seekers don't conduct informational interviews because the purpose of this type of interview is NOT to ask for a job.
Work Is A Four-Letter Word
I can hear the jokes already and most of them are not politically correct. Let me throw out a word that we often don't attach to work and yet I think it is a word of redemption, of contribution, of achievement, of community, and ultimately, of legacy.
The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development
Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs) 5-7 times in a lifetime. This being true, career management is an important life skill to develop and cultivate.
Why You Only Really Need Four Sample Resumes
Any job seeker looking for sample resumes usually doesn't have to look very far.A multitude of sites today are offering free sample resumes on the internet in addition to the avalanche of books that are released each year touting resume examples.
Practice Speaking
For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any more than going on a blind date is. You are asked a bunch of questions about your work.
Global Economy Creates Need For International Business Pros
The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for MBA graduates with a specialization in the international management of business. Many institutions, including several accredited universities, offer the opportunity to earn an international MBA online.
Marketing You and Your Career
Imagine if a business invested years into the research, design, and creation of a new product, and then failed to tell anybody about it. What if the company assumed (even expected) that consumers should discover their new product, just because it was "great." Flawed logic, right? Yet, that's how many people treat their careers! They spend years learning a trade, gaining education, and writing resumes - but do nothing to promote themselves.
Perceptions
How was your latest car wash experience?Did you take your car to a do-it-yourself car wash where you could ensure that every spot that needed to be cleaned was clean?Did you approach the car wash cautiously, checking your windows 2 and 3 times to ensure that they were firmly secure so that no water could come inside?
Avoid Mistakes and Gaffes in Your Job Resume
Having mistakes and gaffes in your job resume spell disaster for your job search. The last thing an employer needs is to look at a poorly written resume.
15 Tips for Writing Winning Resumes
The thought of writing a resume intimidates almost anyone. It's difficult to know where to start or what to include.
5 Resume Mistakes Telecommuters Often Make
Finding a legit telecommute job can be difficult. Telecommute jobs are in high demand and hundreds if not thousands of other people are competing for the same position.
Match, Meet, and Mesmerize at a Job Fair
Are you considering another trip through the career maze? Attending a job fair can make you feel like you are playing a losing game unless you have a clear understanding of the rules. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of any job fair, and gaining a competitive edge.
Culture Shock
Today we hear much talk of the 'global village'. People are have more opportunities to travel and live abroad than ever before.
Youre Fired Isnt The Finale
According to the U.S.

More Careers & Employment Information:

Related Articles

How To Get That Promotion
If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then you'll need to be noticed by your employer, so here's a few tips to stand out from the crowd
Knowing and Guessing
The line between average and exceptional work performance is dotted with ordinary day-by-day behaviors. I was reminded of that line recently.
Students Searching for a Job
Searching for a job has become easier than ever for those who are graduating from school and looking to enter the workforce. Many schools offer guidance services as well as networking opportunities for graduates looking for work after finishing school.
Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit
How would you like to get paid to go shopping? That's right! Get paid to shop for clothes, eat in restaurants, watch movies, play golf, travel, and so on.You can have your cake and eat it too! Enjoy the best ofboth worlds.
Job Search Secret #1
The job search secret that is so powerful it will blow your socks off is simple - if you think you want or need a Career Change all you have to do is understand this Job Search Secret:It's simple - Change your Thinking.When you're looking for the new job or career move it's easy to think that 'they' hold all the cards.
Relocation Issues...Who Will Pay?
In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn in the labor market, many unemployed professionals are finding themselves in a bind when their benefits or severance packages are depleted. It is not easy to compete with 300-600 resumes for one job.
Writing Resumes That Attract Your Perfect Job
Let me introduce you to Ben. He made it happenBen was a comptroller.
Moving Without A Job: Should You Move to the Location of Your Dreams and THEN Look for a Job?
Moving without a job will challenge your identity -- but for some people, it's the best way to go.Here are some ways to deal with the question.
The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter
Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This is why I'm intrigued by the fact that a) jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them.
What Turns Potential Employers ON; What Turns Them OFF?
According to an annual survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these are the most important qualities that employers are looking for in a job candidate, in priority order: (1) Communication skills; (2) Honesty/integrity; (3) Teamwork skills; (4) Interpersonal skills; (5) A strong work ethic. Be sure to highlight those skills in your resume, during your interview, and in your thank-you letter.
Wanted: A Diva for the Job of a Lifetime!
"When I was a child, I always thought the world was mine, A stomping ground for me, full of opportunities. I always had this attitude that I was going to go out into the world and do all the things I wanted to do.
My Landscaping Business is Better Than Your Lanscaping Business...
Yesterday I was having a discussion with Mary who I know from a mother's group that I attend with my daughter Sammi. Through previous conversations I have determined that this woman is very talented in the areas of landscaping and interior design.
Resumes Arent Important - They are Everything When it Comes to Getting an Interview
Employers and recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for every position they are trying to fill. To select their shortlist of candidates to interview, they look for the most common resume mistakes most applicants make and eliminate them first.
How To Choose The Right Resume Format
After a thirty (30) second glance lots of resumes get thrown into the wastebasket. One of the reasons this happens is because the resume writer has failed to use the appropriate resume format.
Dazzle Interviewers With Your Achievements
Attention Job Seekers: Tasks and Responsibilities are BoooringHo hum. The interviewer sits there drumming her fingers on the desk trying to look interested while you drone on about your duties and responsibilities at your last position.
Job Interviews: Succeeding with Panel Interviews
These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of three-to-six interviewers.A "team approach" to finding the best candidate can be beneficial for the employer.
What A Former Stay At Home Mom Knows About Creating A Stunning Resume That You Dont
Recently I was asked to touch up a friend's resume. Her challenge was simple.
Medical Billing And Coding Profession
Medical billers and coders are in high demand among the allied health occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health information technicians are one of the 10 fastest-growing allied health occupations.
Resume Objectives ... The Hidden Pitfalls
Why Use Resume ObjectivesBefore we can discuss the pitfalls you first need to understand the reasons for including your resume objectives and how they relate to your resume and interview selection process.Including an objectives section at the beginning of your resume provides a brief introduction to the purpose of the resume, highlighting your career objectives and the type of job you are seeking.
Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUND Telephone interviews are quite common in today's job market.They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings,screening of candidates and out-of-town applicants.