How Career Counseling Can Help During an Economic Downturn
When there is an economic downturn, many things become uncertain. You may worry about losing your job, getting a pay cut, or whether or not you’ll be able to make ends meet. As we continue through an uncertain time, you may even be having all of these worries simultaneously.
While an economic downturn will inevitably cause anxiety, you don’t have to lose all sense of hope. Career counseling can help you stay on track, even in uncertain times. What exactly is career counseling and how can it help you during an economic downturn?
What Is Career Counseling?
Career counseling is very similar to other forms of counseling. However, the focus will be primarily on your career. A career counselor will help you understand factors that are taking a toll on your career development, both negatively and positively.
Through career counseling, you will gain insight into your job field and better understand what you need to do to achieve your goals. Your counselor may also help you seek out resources, look for jobs, and set up a plan of action.
Career Counseling in an Economic Downturn
When the economy is in a slump, your career is one of your top concerns. What will happen to your job? Will you be able to continue pursuing your career goals? These questions begin to haunt you, and it can be extremely stressful.
Career counseling is a great way to cope with your stress and find real solutions to keep moving forward. Economic downturns are scary, but you don’t have to lose hope regarding your future. Career counseling will keep you on track and help you set new, attainable goals.
Creating a Plan
When the economy worsens, many people begin to panic out of fear. It’s a natural reaction, but it isn’t helpful. When the future is uncertain, you need to reestablish some sort of certainty in your life. You can do this by creating a plan. Your counselor can help you get started by asking a few questions.
Where are you currently in your career, and where do you want to end up? What steps do you need to take to get where you want to be? When you have big career goals, it can be daunting to think about achieving them.
However, when you break it down step by step, it becomes much more feasible. Even if you’re in an economic downturn, there are likely steps you can fulfill in the meantime. For example, there are classes you can take, certifications you can obtain, and many other steps to check off the list along the way.
Calming Your Fears
When an economic downturn threatens your livelihood, it’s only natural to be afraid. Not only will counseling help keep your career on track, but it will help calm your fears in the meantime. If you’re anxious about losing your job, your counselor can help you work through your anxiety and find solutions to keep you afloat.
You and your counselor will work together to find new solutions, consider applying for new jobs, and finding new ways to advance your professional skills. The threat of losing your job, taking a pay cut, or facing an economic downturn is scary, but you don’t have to face it alone. Career counseling can help you make sense of a scary situation.
If you’re worried about an upcoming economic downturn, you may want to consider professional help. Your goals do not have to remain on hold because the economy is in a slump. There are many things you can accomplish in your career, even in a downturn.
Counseling will help you realize your goals, take steps to achieve them, and calm your fears in the meantime. Remember, you aren’t alone, and help is available. Consider adult counseling to give yourself much-needed support.
