Career Deciding -- Imaging, Risking, Life Style

Career deciding is central to the notion of LifeWork Imaging. Career deciding is the often recursive process wherein individuals integrate the images of LifeWork and define the possibilities of work. LifeWork images reflect the experiences of our lives. Images can be both visual, emotional, spiritual, and auditory. Each image is stored in our personal image libraries. We draw upon these images (image handles) as we live our lives and make decisions. Often verbal images become the "image hook" that transforms an image received into a closely held belief.
Images can be seen within the categories of (1) Vocation, (2) Avocation, and (3) Life Style.

Career Deciding is . . .

The interaction of

LifeWork images represent a library of images that individuals collect from womb to tomb. We respond to auditory sounds and touch that create prebirth images. From the moment we are born we begin to create our 'real time' image libraries. These libraries hold our "can do" and "can't do" beliefs.

Education and Training are key determinants to occupational and life choices. Higher levels of education and training open more possibilities in terms of occupations and financial rewards. Individuals need to explore the relationship between education/training and the world of work. The use of computerized career information programs will help individuals explore this relationship.

Personal definitions of work can be part of a limited worldview or a boundless worldview. Within the context of LifeWork Imaging work is defined as either (1) work one does as an employee for someone else and is paid for doing so, or (2) work one does that is entrepreneurial in nature or through self-employment. This definition can include nonpaid work situations.

What do you truly see as the moment in your life that was and still is "self defining"? As spiritual beings we are fragile. As human beings we fragile. Key to this concept is was our defining moment at a time of integration or disintegration -- at a time of wholeness and health or at a time of painful experiences. One of the tenets of LifeWork Imaging is the concept of re-invention of self. This idea is akin to "I can't change my mind, but if you give me five minutes, I can change my attitude." Identify your moment of self definition. Perhaps you could look at other moments in your life that could serve as a healthier basis for defining the self through which you operationalize your beliefs and dreams.

Enabling and disabling beliefs represent the "can do" and the "can't do" blends of personal decision making. Through the conscious and unconscious process of "can's" and "can'ts" offer to the world our expression of self.

Where we choose to live generally is where we work. Geography impacts our life style, our employability, and our worldview. If we define work through the eyes of an employee, then we become victimized by our definition. If we live in a geographically isolated area, we look to those who employ (employer) for our employment opportunities. By not seeing opportunities for entrepreneurship or self-employment are possibilities are limited.

Do you see yourself as a risk taker? If so, how do you define risk taking and within what context? Within the definition of Career Deciding, risk involves ideas of mobility, entrepreneurship, self-employment, financial investment, and personal transformation. Your willingness to risk may determine the possibilities you will encounter in your life. This may easily be seen as "the road not taken."