If you are looking for a green career, you are most likely standing face to face with the unknown.

• Where should I look for my green job?
• What job will I get?
• When will I get it?
• Who do I need to talk to?
• How much will I make?
• How far will I have to commute?
• How much will my life need to change?
• Will I need more education?
• How long will my job last?
• How will the economy impact my job?

There's a segment of the population who loves the thrill and excitement of facing the unknown and finding their way to their intended destination. The unknown factors actually motivate them, excite them, and engage them. They find "the hunt" gets their adrenaline pumping, their mind moving, and their intuition sparking.

Then there are the rest of us. When we are faced with an unknowable future, our first inclination is to stop! What motivates each of us to stop may vary. Do any of these tendencies sound familiar to you?

• Some want to figure out "the answer" before they take their first/next step.
• Others want to make sure they are making the right decision (i.e. not making a mistake).
• Others are so overwhelmed by all the questions they can't figure out where to put our attention.
• Others worry so much about one element of the equation that it stops them in their tracks. Maybe it's the fear that they'll need to go to school or that they won't make enough money or that they'll have to settle for a long commute.

Let's take a look at each one of these to give you a new way to look at what's got you stuck.

Figuring out "the answer" before you take your first / next step

The only way to identify your answer is to take a number of steps to explore your options. Without getting out there to talk with people, read about opportunities, and network, you'll have no idea what your best options are, let alone "the answer."

Think about it this way. Each step you take gives you new information and a new perspective on your options and opportunities. The more single steps you take the clearer you'll become about the direction you are heading in and your ultimate destination.

Making the right decision (i.e. not making a mistake)

Don't let the desire to make the perfect decision keep you from making any decision. The key to stepping into the unknown is knowing that you can course correct at any time. Taking your first step or your tenth step provides you with the data you need to make a decision to continue on your course or to change course.

Given that the green economy is just forming, there is NO way to know exactly how it is all going to unfold. You must take the actions that make sense today while keeping an eye on industry news about future trends. The good news is that times of change provide great opportunities to those who are keeping up with the latest.

Feeling so overwhelmed by all the options and questions about the future 

Don't let the desire to make the perfect decision keep you from making any decision. Rather than try to solve them all at once, start by focusing on one or two key components. When you get a handle on those, you can take a look at the next layer of issues.

For instance, if you are thinking of relocating and you are looking for a new career, you have two ways to approach the situation. Narrow down where you'd like to live and then look at what career options are most likely in those areas. Or alternatively, take a look at the career you'd most like and then figure out what geographic areas are the best fit for that career focus. You may need to switch between these two perspectives a couple of times to discover the best solution. When you have identified your top two or three options, then you can move on to the next layer of questions. Perhaps schools are important or your commute or health care. The specifics are going to vary depending on who you are and the needs of your family.

Worrying about one aspect of your situation 

If one or two fears seem to be the focus of most of your angst, take a step back. My first question to you is: Do you know for a fact you have a problem OR are your fears based on your assumptions? Very often people who fear that they won't make enough money in a particular job or business or that they must go back to school are acting out of their own assumptions.

Before you turn away from a green career, do your homework. During your research phase, focus your attention on gathering information. Don't attempt to make a decision until you've collected a sufficient amount of solid information about your dilemma. When you are ready to look at your options, do just that. Identify 3-5 options that present themselves. If you find yourself faced with an either/or dilemma, my guess is that you haven't broadened your options enough to see the true range of possibilities.

Remember your first steps into the unknown don't need to be life changing. In fact, it's better if they aren't! Use your first steps to explore your options, scout out opportunities, test the waters, and make connections.

After you've confirmed you are on the right track, you'll be better equipped to answer the questions that feel a bit overwhelming to you at this moment.

Copyright © 2008 Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc