Questions & Answers

1. VOCATION & HEALTH - SOME RESEARCH:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worldwide, one in three employees would like to leave their job (survey by Mercer of 30.000 employees in 17 countries as cited by Forbes 2011). Studies published since then still confirm this trend. Survey participants said they particularly missed the following: the right type of work, work-life balance, and good relationships at work. Additionally, the times we live in present people with unplanned change at work. Managing uncertainty, finding new jobs, and changing career are therefore key skills.

In the light of these developments, it would seem reasonable to consider one’s Vocation beyond the 9 to 5. In fact, do we not owe it to ourselves and those around us to rekindle our inspiration and protect our health? Passion is life energy, and energy can ‘move mountains’. Also, many of us want to leave a worthwhile legacy - something that contributes to a better world. Arguably, qualities such as passion, innovation and perseverance can shape such a world. 

Finding and following our calls takes effort. However, the rewards are numerous: we re-learn how to forget time, we feel more fulfilled, and our health gets boosted. This models authenticity and 'meaning' to those around us, not least to our children. George Elliot once said:
"There is a great deal of unmapped country within us.”
RealVocation helps you map that country within you.

 

2. WHY PAY FOR CONSULTATIONS WHEN I CAN READ 'WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR PARACHUTE'?

 

You can, and the book comes highly recommended, as does the accompanying work book. You might be perfectly able to find your way with these resources alone. However, personal consultations can enhance progress and save time:

(1) interaction with a trained facilitator can help us sidestep habitual thought patterns. It is our current thinking, after all, that has led us to where we are now; (2) even when we read helpful books, our very human limitations can impact on how we interpret what we read. Most of us suffer from a tendency to keep looking through ‘the same glasses’. Also...how many books we have read in the past have led to sustained changes in our outlook and behaviour?
(3) When we approach change, various emotions - especially fear - can persuade us to focus on obstacles. Here, a facilitator can help with re-focussing on new perspectives, options and constructive action.

 

3. HOW DOES REALVOCATION DIFFER FROM CAREER COUNSELLING AND LIFE COACHING?
 
Considering the breadth of evolving services in vocational, counselling and coaching related fields, it is difficult to draw reliable distinctions. The guideline below is of a very general nature.

CAREER COUNSELLING is usually focussed on the area of career and work only. Career Counselling tends to include topics such as CV presentation, interview technique, or skills & aptitude tests. Also, job market trends are likely to be considered. Most clients seeking career counselling would like to receive advice. Few career counsellors, if any, would incorporate physical modalities,  and spirituality would rarely be a predominant topic. For further information: www.thecdi.net (UK) and www.counseling.org (USA).

 

LIFE COACHING focusses on several areas of life, depending on the coach’s speciality and the client’s priority. Coaching often draws on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Life coaches promote self-observation, self-responsibility, and exploration of alternative perspectives. Clients are encouraged to make conscious choices for themselves by accessing their own wisdom within. Coaching is more of an interactive than an advisory process. In the UK, physical approaches are only rarely on offer alongside coaching. Life coaches are also trained differently to counsellors. For further information: International Coaching Federation (ICF): www.coachfederation.org, and www.coachtraining.com