You've decided that you want to work in a way that has a positive impact on the planet. You want your work to have meaning. You want what you do to make a difference to the environment. You want to contribute to a sustainable future.

Where Do You Start?

• Do you begin by reworking your resume to be green? Sustainable?

• Do you invest in training or certifications to prepare yourself?

• Do you pick a green industry and search for a job listing?

The answer to all of these ideas is…No.

Although all of these strategies are important at a certain point in your journey to a green career, the order in which you take on these tasks will make a difference in how long your journey will last.

One Key to Your Success: Finding Your Green Focus

If you've been reading this newsletter for any length of time, you most likely know that one of your first steps is to figure out your green focus. In other words, it's essential to figure out the green career that allows you to leverage your existing skills, talents, and expertise in a sustainable/clean/green company.

• You can't write a resume…until you know the kind of green position you want.

• Investing in training before you have a clear career focus is a bit like shooting in the dark. You may hit something eventually, but it may not be what you want to hit. (If you are already in the training courses, look at them as great opportunities to explore the topics and skills that interest you most.)

• You can't identify your place within a new industry…until you know what you bring to the party and invest the time in understanding how the new industry actually works.

BEFORE You Even Begin Searching for Your Green Focus…

Recently I realized that there are a several internal discussions to have before you even begin your search for your green focus. Each of these discussions will help you prepare most effectively for your transition to a new career.

1. What do you already know about yourself, your passions, and your goals?

2. Is this the right time for you to make a career transition?

3. Are you well-suited to work in the green/clean/sustainable arena right now?

4. Are you ready for this transition?

5. Do you have any sense of how a career transition of this sort is likely to unfold?

I realize these aren't the easiest questions to answer. And yet, doing this kind of pre-assessment of who you are at the moment and where you are in your life can make a big difference in how your quest for a green career unfolds.

These are questions to sit with. Don't jump to conclusions too fast. With answers to these questions, you'll have a much better sense of how to proceed with the most effective plan for your personal circumstances.