THE UNCONVENTIONAL ROUTE CAREER ADVICE BY STEPHEN GILLAT

Everyone says “You have to have a career or job to pay for your basic needs e.g. food, car, house, bills.” This is solid advice. However, when you think of a career or a job, what comes to mind?

Exploring Career Paths

Our minds have been influenced from a young age by TV, parents, and friends to follow traditional paths like becoming a lawyer, doctor, nurse, builder, plumber, or electrician. This pressure often prevents us from discovering our true passions.

To gain insight, consider asking professionals in fields you're interested in the following questions:

• What part of your job/career do you like the most?
• What part of your job/career don’t you like the most?
• What would you like to spend more time doing?
• What is stopping you from doing this?
• What are you passionate about?
• What advice would you give someone considering a career/job like this?
• Do you feel you get valued and paid enough for the work you do?

Building Your Lifestyle

Start thinking about your career and lifestyle in your teens, as time is on your side. While you don’t need a rigid plan, a rough outline can help keep you on track. Consider these points:

• What is important to me? (e.g., family, friends, achievements, career)
• What lifestyle do I want to live? (e.g., holidays, time with friends, work hours)
• How much do I need to fund my basic needs (food, water, shelter)?
• How much do I need to fund other aspects of my desired lifestyle?
• How can I do something I am passionate about and get paid for it?
• What knowledge and skills do I require for this?
• Who can I speak to that will know?

If you're unsure about your passion, start by envisioning your ideal lifestyle. Coaches, close friends, and family can help you become more self-aware.

Support and Coaching

I offer free complimentary lifestyle coaching to assist you in becoming more self-aware using a systematic questioning model. Contact me at gillatt12@gmail.com for support.

I hope you live a happier, more fulfilling life.

— Stephen Gillatt, Coach