As I talk with people who are searching for their way into the green economy, I've noticed that some people are turning away from opportunity because the path isn't completely clear.   Perhaps the industry isn't developed yet, the jobs aren't available locally, or their personal skills aren't sought after.

Last week we talked about a creative process you can use when something in your job search or your life requires a new perspective. This week we delve into strategies you can take when you feel the blocks are insurmountable.

You want a green career, but…

• It won't pay enough
• You can't find a job locally
• You don't have the skills employers are requiring
• You can't find an opening

Any and all of these could be enough to have you questioning your goals, your values, and your hopes.

Remember, any job search can lead to these questions. The trick is to know how to approach your situation to find new solutions.

The Stuck Test

Sometimes it's hard to discern whether you are stuck or not. Here's my test.

1. Whenever you think about your situation, do you end up with the same unworkable answers?
2. As you evaluate your situation, are you asking yourself the same questions, over and over again?

Just because you aren't seeing new answers doesn't mean they aren't out there. It just means you haven't found a way to access those new answers yet.

The Trick to Getting Unstuck

The very best way to get unstuck is to ask yourself new questions. The best source of new questions is to look outside yourself for new perspectives. You might read a blog, join a professional association, attend a trade show, listen to a green speaker, read a magazine, or listen to a green radio show. Your new point of view sparks new questions. With new questions, you'll discover new answers--answers you'd never thought to consider before.

What to Do When All Looks Hopeless

There are times and situations where even the interim solutions don't look possible.  It feels like a no-win situation any way you look at it. You can't move forward. You don't want to let go of your dream, but you don't see any other option.

When you find yourself in this situation, write out your dilemma in as much detail as you can.

• What's your dream?
• What are the components of your dream that aren't coming together?
• What have you tried?
• What are you afraid to try?

Then put your description away for awhile and live life in the best way you can. Let go of trying to figure it all out. Be willing to discover a solution, but don't spend every waking hour trying to figure it out.

Although nothing looks possible now, things can change:

• You may discover new interests or priorities that shift your perspective
• Circumstances may change in your family situation to open up new possibilities (perhaps you can go back to school or relocate to another area)
• Opportunities may open up in your community. Something may be in the works now, you just don't know about it yet
• Changes may occur at an economic level. Although fuel costs are hitting hard right now, they are also fueling innovation and new patterns of behavior. We don't yet know how our economy will change as a result
• Technology is changing all the time. With technology changes come new industries. Stay abreast of changes in your area of passion. Who knows what's in store.

Bottom Line

As long as you are passionate about your idea, claim your passion, but stop banging your head against a closed door. Accept that you can't take the step you want to take at the moment, but be willing to wait for new developments. A door that's now closed may crack open at any time.

Then every three to six months, revisit your dream and your dilemma. Notice if anything has changed in the world or inside of you.

Claiming Your Passion

If possible, pursue at least one part of your passion in some way.

• Could you turn your passion into a hobby or volunteer outlet for now? How would additional skills help your future job search?
• Could you use your vacation time to immerse yourself in your passion? How might such an intense experience change you and your opportunities?
• Could you use this time to gain more training? How might more education help your cause?

Experiment to see what option gives you the biggest boost. Keeping your spirits high and your passion intact can go a long way toward moving you toward the right position. You never know who you'll meet or what opportunity you'll hear about as you continue to claim into your passion. 

Copyright © 2008 Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc