Hallie Crawford

Career Advice You Can’t Ignore

If someone asked me what the one piece of advice I could give to a career seeker, I’d say DON’T SETTLE!

In this tough economy I find that some of my clients find it hard to take this career advice. Why? The biggest reason is that many people are feeling a little cash strapped. Maybe they haven’t had a job in months, or their insurance is going to expire. I understand this! If you have to, it’s okay to take a temporary job if you need it for financial reasons, but you still need to be participating actively in a career search to find your ideal career.

On Monday we talked about some of the benefits to finding a career that fits. Think about what it is you want out of your career.

If you want to have a job that brings you fulfillment, talent, and success, then take this advice, DON’T SETTLE!

Find a job that fits your needs, abilities, and dreams. It takes a little extra effort, but you can do it. I myself had to hire a career coach before I figured out that this is what I wanted to do. I love my job now, and I know you can love your job too. This is your life; you deserve what’s best for you!

Check out my free audio Top 10 Tips to Identify Your Ideal Career.

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach & Speaker

Have you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve seen a lot of stories on this topic in the past 6 months or so. A lot of people who have been laid off are looking at starting their own business. It does take dedication and motivation but can be very rewarding. If you are interested in starting your own business, here are some things to think about:

What is your area of expertise? For example do you have experience with accounting, graphic design, or administrative support? As our world becomes more and more virtual, you can now work from almost any location, and service clients almost anywhere. Look at your area of expertise and consider providing consulting services in this area.

Striking out on your own can be scary and it involves risk. It is not a cakewalk and it takes effort, commitment and work. But if you do something you’re passionate about, it won’t feel like work. It’s more enjoyable and you’ll be more committed because you’re following your dream

If you own your business, or want to start one, take a few minutes to read about this free teleclass a great colleague of mine is holding on September 30th titled “A Makeover Plan for Your Vision, Thinking & Profits”. Read more here.

If you need more help, be sure to read my quick tip sheet “Solopreneurs: Tips for Starting and Growing Your Business”.

Hallie Crawford
Career Transition Coach

Top 3 Benefits of Finding a Career That Fits

Finding a career that is a fit for you has many benefits – these are the top 3 benefits I feel someone achieves when they find their ideal career:

You will be fulfilled. Working in a job that is a fit for you brings meaning into your life and a deep sense of satisfaction. Finding the right career gives you motivation and happiness in all areas of your life.

You will start to use your natural talents and abilities more frequently and effectively. It is a fact that people who use their natural abilities often, love their work.

You will be more successful. When you have found your ideal career you’re more able to find a good balance in your life. You’ll have the ability to get where you want to be financially. Because you enjoy your work, you will be more productive, and your work will be more effective.

Are you in the right career? Take this quick quiz to find out now.

Hallie Crawford
Certified Career Coach & Speaker

New Coaching Group - Identify Your Passion and Purpose

Are you seeking greater fulfillment, passion and purpose in your career? Do you need help defining your ideal career path? Then this group is for you!

Once you define what is most fulfilling to you, infusing a sense of passion and purpose into your work becomes second nature – and defining the right career path is a much easier task.

In this group you will discover how to:

• Find greater fulfillment in your career
• Infuse a sense of passion and purpose into your work life
• Identify your passion and purpose
• Eliminate self-defeating behaviors and clarify your ideal values
• Use the power within you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life

How it works: You participate by telephone from the comfort of your own home or office. The calls are interactive, so you will have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as share your ups and downs with others. There are a total of 6 teleclasses – one call per week for 6 weeks. Each call lasts one hour. You will have unlimited email access to me for extra guidance. You also receive the “Unlocking Your Purpose” Ebook. (a $40 value) 

Starts: Wed Sept 30th at 12:00 noon ET
$225/month for 2 months
(This is less than half the cost of individual coaching.)

I look forward to having you join me!

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach

FREE Teleclass in 2 days

Don’t miss out on my free teleclass Wednesday September 23rd at 12noon ET for the "Top 10 Tips to Identify Your Ideal Career"

If you are searching for your ideal career, this FREE teleclass is for YOU!

In this FREE teleclass, I will:

• Give you the top 10 things you need to know when searching for your ideal career
• Give advice on best practices in your career search
• Provide live feedback on your questions about finding your ideal career

Register here: http://www.halliecrawford.com/toptentips.html

I’m looking forward to having you join us!

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach

Live Career Workshop October 22nd

There's no doubt about it - the world can seem like a scary place right now. And for many of us, what is especially unnerving is the way the unemployment rate continues to rise. If you are one of those fearful of losing your job, have recently been laid off, or are searching for your ideal career - this presentation is a must-attend event.

Career transitions can be trying; and even more difficult during a job crisis. In this FREE workshop “Survive the Job Crisis: Creating Career Possibilities for Yourself in Three Short Steps”, you will learn how to successfully manage whatever career transition you are currently facing.

In this presentation, I will give you the three critical steps you need to take right now in order to survive the job crisis. I will show you how to create possibilities for yourself - despite the tough economy. If you want to find out how to survive, and even thrive, during these tough times, join us!

Listen to Hallie's audio message for this event here

Thursday October 22nd
7:00 PM
Peachtree Presbyterian Church located at 3434 Roswell Rd NW in Atlanta, GA.

Get directions from Google Maps

**This event is free and open to the public! Please feel free to bring your friends, family and anyone else who can benefit.**

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach and Career Speaker

Identify Your Passion and Purpose Coaching Group

Are you seeking greater fulfillment, passion and purpose in your career? Do you need help defining your ideal career path? Then this group is for you!

Once you define what is most fulfilling to you, infusing a sense of passion and purpose into your work becomes second nature – and defining the right career path is a much easier task.

In this group you will discover how to:

• Find greater fulfillment in your career
• Infuse a sense of passion and purpose into your work life
• Identify your passion and purpose
• Eliminate self-defeating behaviors and clarify your ideal values
• Use the power within you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life

How it works: You participate by telephone from the comfort of your own home or office. The calls are interactive, so you will have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as share your ups and downs with others. There are a total of 6 teleclasses – one call per week for 6 weeks. Each call lasts one hour. You will have unlimited email access to me for extra guidance. You also receive the “Unlocking Your Purpose” Ebook. (a $40 value) 

Starts: Wed Sept 30th at 12:00 noon ET
$225/month for 2 months
(This is less than half the cost of individual coaching.)

I look forward to having you join me!

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach

Client Success Story – Jenn Williams

Jenn Williams was an individual client who was unhappy with her career path wanted to identify her ideal career. She has found something she loves and is on her way to making it a reality. Here’s her story. Thank you Jenn!

How did you uncover your dream job and what that was?
For a few years I felt as if I was just floating through life. I was working in theatre, a career I had worked hard for and thought I loved. But as much as I do love theatre, it felt like something was missing. That's why I started working with Hallie, I wanted to find out what was missing. Through the exercises we did together, I discovered what my true values are, what really matters to me in a job and in life, and what would leave me feeling fulfilled and satisfied at the end of the day. Through research, a lot of soul searching and with Hallie's help and insight, I found a career that I'm very excited about. I am pursuing my degree in Holistic Health and Life Coaching.

What steps have you taken to make this happen?
Once I knew what I wanted to do, I had to find out what tools and education I needed in order to pursue the career. I started researching schools and found one I fell in love with. I kept talking myself out of it because I was living in Virginia and the school was in Arizona. I wasn't sure I wanted to make that big of a move.  But then I got laid off from a job that I hated at the beginning of June. I realized this was the answer I had been asking for. I had no reason to hold myself back from what I wanted to pursue anymore. I called the school that day and enrolled. I'll be starting classes on September 23rd and I couldn't be more excited.

What challenges have you encountered along the way, and how have you handled them?
I think the biggest challenge I've encountered along the way is myself. I tend to over-analyze situations until I talk myself out of something I'm unsure of. I assumed that the people in my life would react badly to this new adventure because it was such a switch from what I had done for the past ten years. When in reality, they couldn't have been more excited for me and supportive. It's the little gremlins in your head that can trip you up at every turn and keep you from doing what you want to do. You just have to learn to listen to them, and then tell them to shut up.

What has most helped you in this process?
The tools that Hallie gave me through our coaching have been invaluable. I'm much better at recognizing the gremlins when they pop up and stepping back to see what the issue really is. I still have my days when I freak out, but I'm much better at evaluating if there's a real issue I should address or if I'm just trying to trip myself up because I'm scared.

Have there been any naysayers?  How have you managed to stay the course? 
I've been very lucky that everyone in my life has been super supportive, more so then I thought they would be. I think that's a big part of what has helped me stay the course so well. I think the only naysayers I've run into have been my parents but only from a financial concerns standpoint. They're so excited about what I'm pursuing and they're so happy that I'm excited about a career again.

What lessons have you learned?  What surprises have you discovered?
I've learned you have to have faith that things will work out. If it feels right and you know you're on the right path, some times you have to let go of the worries and trust it will work itself out. I've learned you get what you ask for. If you open your heart and ask for something, you'll get it. It might not be in the way or form you were expecting, but you’ll get it. I've learned you can't plan everything because it's going to change in ways you can't even anticipate. I've learned that people will surprise you in wonderful ways and that those who love you truly just want you to be happy.

How has this experience changed you?
For the first time in a long time I feel very at peace. It comes from feeling like I'm heading in the right direction and that I've found what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm more confident and stronger than I have been for a long time. I know myself better then I did when I started working with Hallie. I had been hiding some truths from myself because there were feelings I was scared to deal with. Now I realize that facing these gremlins and dealing with them allows me to move past them and truly be happy.

Any "words of wisdom" to share with others who are taking steps to create their own paths?
Listen to that little voice in you. We all have it and a lot of us choose to ignore it because we think we know what we're "supposed" to be doing. But supposed to according to who? Do what you love, do what inspires you, do what makes you happy. When you are doing what you're good at and what makes you happy, you bring more in to the world and to others then you can imagine. And really...that's what we're all supposed to be doing.

Tips from Jenn’s Story

• Listen to your inner voice and wisdom, not what you think you “should” do or what you’re “supposed to do.”
• Learn to manage your fears and negative inner voices that hold you back. Don’t let them stand in your way!
• Do what you love. You will feel more fulfilled, and you will bring more to the world and to others. Share your gifts.

Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Certified Career Coach

How do you find YOUR ideal career?

Some surveys show that 80% or more of people have not yet found a career that fits them. This is bad news - and it needs to change!

The good news is that it is possible to find a career you truly enjoy. I’m living proof of it. That’s why I love helping people identify their ideal career path and make it happen.

Join me for a free teleclass on Wednesday September 23rd at 12noon ET for the "Top 10 Tips to Identify Your Ideal Career" 

In this FREE teleclass, I will:

• Give you the top 10 things you need to know when searching for your ideal career
• Give advice on best practices in your career search
• Provide live feedback on your questions about finding your ideal career

Register here: www.halliecrawford.com/toptentips.html

Here’s to having a career you love!

Hallie Crawford
Certified Career Coach

Sign #5 that it’s time to look for a new job

In the last two weeks we’ve spent time looking at different signs that it’s time to look for a new job. Here’s a quick summary:

Sign #1: You dread getting out of the bed in the morning
Sign #2: Your work relationships and performance are beginning to suffer.
Sign #3: You become "someone else" at work.
Sign #4: The position doesn't make use of your talents.

Today is sign #5 - You spend most of your time engaged in talking negative about your position or company (or both)

Yes we all love to commiserate over frustrating aspects of our jobs. That is not a big deal. It becomes an issue if the majority of your hours at work are spent feeding negative thoughts and generally complaining. Tune into what it is you are complaining about. Are you in an unfulfilling environment; do you not get along with the people you work with; what goals/values does your company have – do they match yours?

If you spend most of your work day, AND even worse time at home, talking and thinking negatively about your job, then it may be time to pack it in. Find a new career in an environment that feels more rewarding and in line with your talents. You can do it.

Contact me for a complimentary phone consultation – I’m here to help!

Best of luck!

Hallie Crawford
Career Coach & Career Speaker