In uncertain times, what a comfort a good compass is. And you can build one.

When seeking help in your career direction, you must first
CLEARLY know where you want to go.

I had a great email exchange with one of the young and
talented photographers I met last Saturday when I was
participating as a reviewer at an APA LA portfolio review day.

We both shared our enthusiasm about the fact that we had
created a “Mission Statement” that guides our career
choices. It’s been such a comfort in this confusing
economy.

We each know that day-to-day choices are more easily made
in confusing times when we consider which choice is more connected
to our own “purpose” as well as to a larger Whole.

I believe that any good Mission Statement or Career Goal,
MUST included deeper values than the transient goals of
fame and fortune (which are in scarce supply these days
anyway!).

In the initial intake interview process I do with my
photography consulting clients,  I ask about their business
goals. Usually, I get the generic “I want more business.”

That’s a start, but it’s not that helpful in mapping out a
road map for career success. It’s like responding to a
travel agent’s (remember them?!?) question, “Where do you
want to go on vacation?” with “Somewhere fun.” Get more
specific. Really specific.

Contrast the “somewhere fun” answer with “I’d like to take
an eco-vacation or volunteer somewhere that I’ll be
outdoors and physically active every day working with teams
of others in a beautiful landscape–preferably near a N. or
S. American shoreline.”

With that input, the agent is better able to serve you and might suggest
for example, some beach clean-up or housing construction options.

What is on your road map besides the all-too-common
“creatively challenging” and “well-paying?” What other
descriptors can you add so that you can start refining
where you really want to go?

I’d love to hear some of your “career destination”
descriptions. Please share them if you feel like it.