What I'm really thinking: the careers adviser
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/17/careers-adviser-what-really-thinking Version 0 of 1. When you make an appointment to see me, it is worth remembering that I am not a computer program. I am not going to listen to you for 30 minutes and then conjure up a career just for you and only you. I am no fortune teller. My job is to listen to your hopes and dreams, and to add a dose of realism to the picture. I know that is not what you want to hear, but I am not employed to be a yes man. I am here to make sense of the different pathways open to you. These pathways are choices for you to make. It's flattering when you tell your friends that "the careers adviser said I can't do it". Ha! As if I have that power. If I did, I certainly would not be using it with you. Of course you want to "follow the dream", but I cannot be held responsible for your lack of intellect or determination to succeed. I am sorry to tell you this, but in most cases, people are too lazy and do not have the tenacity to commit to long-term career goals. If they did, we would not be a nation of shopkeepers but psychologists, doctors and lawyers. I am amazed by what you confide in me: relationship break-ups, secret births, violent partners, drug addictions. Perhaps it's because I am a stranger, or maybe you think that to succeed you have to show me the real you. It does help if you are honest with me. That way you will have a better chance of accepting your own limitations. • Tell us what you're really thinking at mind@theguardian.com |