Already at a very young age we make important choices in our lives, which can have a great impact on your career. Think, for example, about the choice of profile at high school and the choice of study you have to do afterwards. Yet we don't always feel that we have made the right choice. Fortunately, at a younger age there is the possibility to change profiles or studies, for example. Later in life, however, this seems less obvious. In fact, there are numerous factors that influence not to do it: a fixed contract, a mortgage that needs to be paid and/or the familiar feeling of already having years of experience in the work to be performed. Therefore, the choice to do the same job for a long time, perhaps even with the same employer, is often understandable.

However understandable (and perhaps even logical) this approach may seem: it also carries risks. Especially in jobs with a physical character, the years start counting and it often proves impossible to keep up the heavy work until retirement. Preventive action can then offer a solution: thinking about possible next steps during your career.

Not only does the physical side of things play a role, but doing the same job for years can also play into the hands of a lack of challenge and potentially affect your enjoyment of your work. The importance of enjoying going to work has been discussed many times in our articles and is untold as far as we are concerned. Therefore, it is important to keep considering your options and continue to develop.

Easy to say, but the actual implementation often seems more difficult. In practice, especially with expert guidance, this is fortunately not so difficult!

What is career counseling?

Career counseling involves a personal process of reflecting on who you are, where you stand and what you want. Through conversations, tests and assignments we map out what your motives are, your important values and where your talents lie. In a trajectory you investigate where you can make choices at this moment and in the future to take the next step in your career. These insights are then translated into appropriate career directions and concrete career possibilities for the short and long term.

Career counseling can offer several outcomes. For example, during the program, one of our candidates made the choice to leave his current employer. During the program, we paid attention to a career plan: what is your goal and what actions will bring you closer to that goal? After the final interview, he walked out the door with a large sheet of paper, showing his concrete five-year step-by-step plan. His dream was to be self-employed as a business consultant within five years. Steps to achieve this included conversations with his network, gathering interim assignments to gain experience and taking a new course. Three months later we were in touch again: his first interim assignment was already over and with success!

But a rigorous change is not always necessary. Sometimes a career counseling program provides insights to come to the conclusion that your own job is appropriate. Picking up other work, or seeking more support from colleagues/your supervisor, job crafting we also call it, can also provide greater job satisfaction or motivation.

Whatever the outcome, career counseling offers confidence and a grip on your career, and it provides meaningful tools to actively shape it.

Curious about your development opportunities?

We would be happy to tell you more about career counseling and what it can provide. Feel free to contact us for an informal and exploratory discussion or take a look at the website under 'careerguidance'.