"I want to work in Industry Y, but there aren't any jobs in that industry...or in my region."

When you research your target green career there are several layers to sort through. First you need to understand the industry as a whole. How is it structured? What roles are valued within the industry?

Then you want to move beyond online research to talk with people who work in the field. This may be in person in a networking meeting, at a conference, or even in a LinkedIn Group online. The key is you want to get the latest information about your target industry from people who work in the field on a day to day basis. They'll be able to help you see industry-wide trends and local opportunities.

If your green industry is maturing and evolving rapidly you may have a fairly easy time finding the information and contacts you need to access.
 
If your green industry is emerging and just beginning to take form, it may take a bit more effort. Don't be dissuaded from your goal, just realize that it may take some time to get the full picture.

Most people find it hard to sit with a lot of unknowns. It makes them nervous and uncomfortable. They want the answers...now!

So...rather than depend on the information that's available through research and conversation, they start filling in the blanks with what they heard from one source, the mainstream media, or their own fears.
 
Assumptions are rather insidious. It is so easy to succumb to their power. After all assumptions seem reasonable. In fact there's often a kernel of truth to most assumptions. The problem is that they are seen as THE truth when the kernel is really only part of the truth.
 
One of the reasons assumptions tempt us to believe in them is that it's an easier path than sorting through the facts and impressions we've gathered during our research.

If a path isn't going to work out, we tell ourselves, it's better to know sooner rather than later. This way we cut our losses. We don't need to do any more work. We don't need to stretch ourselves to dig deeper or to find elusive opportunities.

But what if you are turning away from our goal prematurely? What if there is an opportunity for you to make a big impact in an innovative way...it just looks different than you expect.

• Perhaps it's not a "job."

• Perhaps the person who needs to hire you doesn't even know you exist or that they even need your skills. Could you find such an opportunity and pitch them with your value? Although this might not land you a quick job, it's a great way to gain experience and develop a reputation for being a dependable, go-to person in your field.

• Perhaps the role you want is available if you are willing / able to work part time or on a consultative basis.

• Perhaps it would be available if you took one or two courses to round out your expertise.

• Perhaps there's a virtual opportunity that would work for you.

Remember, green jobs are still part of the Wild, Wild West of Careers. They are not always going to show up on job boards in neat little packages with the word "green" attached. You may need to seek these opportunities out yourself and show potential employers what you can do for them and how it will help them reach their goals. Start small by searching out volunteer opportunities.
 
The key is to know where you want to go so you can be strategic in choosing volunteer and paid opportunities that help you establish a strong case for your ability to provide value to those who need your talents.