I asked people with money-making hobbies what advice they have for people considering whether to keep their hobby as pure pleasure or as an income-producing career or business. Not surprisingly, they had very different things to say about their experiences and their advice varied. That’s because there isn’t one path that is true of everyone, […]
What to Do About Ambivalence
By Last updated on January 27, 2018
If I were asked to pinpoint one dynamic that keeps people from achieving career happiness, it is ambivalence. Because so many people ask me how to resolve this, here are some thoughts about what to do about ambivalence: First, recognize and name your ambivalence for what it is. Ambivalence is a psychological condition where you […]
How to Use a Decision-Making Matrix
By Last updated on January 16, 2018
A decision-making matrix is a great tool to compare alternative paths using criteria that are most important to you. This decision-making method is credited to Benjamin Franklin, who called it “Moral or Prudential Algebra” in personal letters in 1772. I adapted his method to decision-making about career paths or job options. For this tool to […]
What Do Career Counselors Do?
By Last updated on November 28, 2016
One of the most common questions I am asked is, “What do career counselors do?” Usually people ask this question for one of two reasons: (1) They are considering becoming a career counselor themselves and they want to know what the day-to-day job is like, or (2) They are considering hiring a career counselor and […]
How to Become a Career Counselor or Career Coach
By Last updated on March 31, 2019
Dear Dr. Civitelli, I think I might want to do the same type of work you do, but I don’t know how to become a career counselor or career coach. Can you please tell me how to get started? Thank you, Future Career Counselor or Career Coach Dear Future Career Counselor or Career Coach, One […]
How to Get Wild About Work, Part 2
By Last updated on November 28, 2016
In the first part of this two-part article, I explored how to create an internal compass that points the way to a career that leaves you feeling energized and alive. In this post I want to take a deeper look at how to put that compass to use. Your internal compass is made of the […]
Career Envy: Embrace It!
By Last updated on April 29, 2015
As one of the seven deadly sins, envy has a bad rap. Envy makes us feel bad so we usually try to squelch it. But what if instead of trying to stamp out feelings of envy, you used envy as a terrific source of information? If noticing someone else’s career success feels like a punch […]
How To Get Wild About Work, Part 1
By Last updated on November 28, 2016
Are you at a career crossroads? Feeling like it’s time for a change to a career that lights you up, but not quite sure what that is or how to get there? Read on! In this two-part article, I want to explore a different way of thinking about pursuing your passion, one that both clarifies […]
The Role of the Unconscious in Career Development
By Last updated on November 5, 2015
Today’s interview is with Dr. Lynn Friedman, a psychologist / psychoanalyst who is an expert on the role of the unconscious in career development. I talked with Dr. Friedman about how people can know when the unconscious is affecting their career and workplace behavior, and what they can do about it. Dr. Friedman, what are ways […]
The Renaissance Soul: How to Make Your Passions Your Life
By Last updated on March 6, 2015
The Renaissance Soul: How to Make Your Passions Your Life – A Creative and Practical Guide is a wonderful book for all the people in the world who feel frustrated by the expectation that they should pick just ONE career focus. If it sounds much better to you to follow many (and frequently changing) interests, […]
