About 8 years ago I went to see a career counselor desperate for some help. I was hoping he could offer some insight and help me change careers.

Wait. I need to be honest. I was really hoping he was psychic or had some magical power.

You see, I really hoped he could just look at me, hear my story, and then tell me with 100% certainty what job I was supposed to have. And oh, he would of course tell me that this job would make me lots of money.

It didn’t exactly work that way.

We met for over an hour. He asked me lots of questions and listened to me explain my frustration and confusion. I knew I wanted to change careers. I didn’t know what career I wanted to change to.

He then leaned in closer and said, “Annemarie, the thing is, no one I’ve ever worked with was ever surprised when they discovered their passion. It never came as a big shock to them.”

Hmmm. Really?

He said, “The job that would make you make happy is right in front of you.”

Uh, are you sure?

You see, I was concerned that the answer I was looking for was going to escape me forever because maybe I didn’t have a passion in the first place.

He gave me hope! He was telling me it was right in front of me. And you know what, he was right. Sure, I was thrilled when I discovered coaching was my purpose. But I also felt this calm, relaxed sensation–kind of like coming home to sleep in your own bed after being away for too long. I had been “doing coaching” for a very long time with people I knew. I just never took notice.

What career is peeking out at you from right under your nose?

Your dream career is something you’re already doing or have done in some form, one way or another. We do whatever we can to express our true selves, whether we are getting paid for it or not.

Tonight, go home and ask yourself this question: “If money were no object, how would I love to spend my time?”

Let me know what you find out! For more ideas on how connecting with others will jumpstart your career change, check out 107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills.

© 2007 Segaric Coaching Inc.