Pete Greensmith

This week I did something new. For what I think is the first time I made an active choice about my career.

In the past I have made active choices to leave jobs, organisations and managers. Also I have had choices made for me through redundancies.

Though, as I suspect is the case with all of us, these changes have just led to me choosing the least worst option from roles I see at that time.

Rather than thinking and deciding what is good for me, what do I want to do, who and what do I want to be. Rather I have looked at job boards, social sites etc. Weighed up the options available. Applied for the ones that are the ‘closest fit’ or the ones that sound nice or not as poor a fit as some of the others.

Don’t get me wrong. This hasn’t necessarily been bad. I have had some great roles. Met some amazing people, with some fascinating stories. Learned a lot, been inspired and been demotivated.

So what was different last week?

I attended a two day Foundation in Life Coaching Course. The course is run by The Coaching Academy and is an overview of coaching.

There are no spoilers here. So I won’t be going into detail on the course. But it is a two day mixture of practical coaching, experience from current coaches, some theory and an explanation of the Academy’s courses and how they translate into a career.

I have had a career coach in the last few years. The sessions were great. Affirmed a lot about myself, my values, my interests and possible careers that align to me.

These sessions had a great impact on me, and also my view of myself. So I know first hand the impact a great coach can have on a person.

Developing others has always been a key interest for me, I have made it a part of every role I have held. Through mentoring and general support to colleagues.

Additionally I am a vocal and supportive ally of independent small businesses in Reading. Nothing huge. I tweet/Instagram about events and local businesses I love.

This isn’t entirely selfless. I love these businesses, their products and what they bring to the town and people. Most of all I admire their bravery. Putting themselves out there and pursuing their dreams. Any support I can offer that drives business their way is a good thing.

I left the course at the end of day one feeling enthusiastic and with lots of ideas in my mind. During the evening I  discussed ideas and thoughts with my partner and others. Day two I arrived ready to push forward those ideas as my goals. But over the course of the day though my mind was opened to more possibilities.

It was a wonderful experience to work through the exercises and hear the trainers (who are all professional coaches in their own right) telling stories and making all the theory real. So many wonderful stories of how they run their businesses, but a lot of free work that they do outside of that with schools, colleges, youth groups, charities etc. Very inspiring.

As a result, I have signed up to learn to be a coach. Personal Coaching and Small Business Coaching. A big commitment but one that will influence and change my future. In essence I just made the first active choice in my 30 year career.

Have you ever made an active choice in your career or do you just go with the current?