In 8th grade, I learned careers were serious business. “It’s time to choose your Track,” announced the principal, avoiding lectures about the pitfalls of failing school. Instead, she elevated the world of work: "Some of you will be doctors. You might not be a doctor, but your child might need one someday. Some of you will be mechanics. You might not be a mechanic, but you will want to drive your loved ones in a safe vehicle." Whatever work you chose, she said, it will matter. I agree! As a career coach and workforce development trainer, I've reviewed 1000s of resumes and interviewed 100s of people with the goal of helping them find meaningful work. CONNECTING PAST WORK TO FUTURE WORKWhen I start asking questions to uncover education and work successes, I watch eyes light up and hear voices raise a beat. Whatever people accomplish, the feeling of success comes most from using skills they enjoy – ones that come naturally. Still, people often fail to perceive and/or undervalue their many talents because of things like:➡️ “I don’t have enough experience.”➡️ "My last job didn’t go well.” ➡️ "I look like a job hopper." ➡️ "I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up." ➡️ “I can't get an interview.”➡️ "I feel like I haven't accomplished much.” ➡️ "I have gaps in employment." ➡️ "Life has gotten in the way" due to disability, illness, caregiving, divorce, etc.WHATEVER YOUR PATH, ALL THE WORK YOU'VE DONE HAS VALUEWhen you learn to recognize and communicate that value, your confidence increases. You communicate more effectively and secure better jobs using the talents that you most enjoy using.In my work, I've seen these successes happen over and over again. Then, I get the joy of reading notes like these: “I got the job in no small part due to you. The questions you asked pulled things out that I didn’t even realize were important and they helped me articulate my story in interviews.”“I wish I could find the words to tell you just how grateful I am…Not only am I more confident in the career direction I’m headed, I feel excited for the first time in a long time.”