Thousands of clients have entered my office in search of guidance regarding their career direction or job search. One thing that has become apparent is that those decisions are not make in a vacuum. At some point in the conversation we have to discuss how their choices, direction and decisions impact their family and spouse and vice versa. As a career coach I need to understand their spouses work situation and aspirations as well in order to offer helpful counsel. We want to be sure the client isn’t making career decisions that leave their spouse feeling resentful or trapped. It is not uncommon for the couple to come in together so that I can understand each person’s aspirations and fears during this time of uncertainty. Career planning for couples is especially attractive for couples approaching retirement or their encore years to ensure their work and life goals are aligned. When the primary wage earner, whether it is male or female, loses their job it redefines individual identity as well as spousal roles and responsibility to the overall family income goals. Couples find great benefit in obtaining the support and guidance from an objective professional as they map out their individual and collective journey to what’s next.
Making Career Decisions in Tandem with Your Spouse
About the Author: Karen Kodzik
Cultivating Careers was founded by Karen Kodzik, a Career Consultant who has worked with individuals in transition for over 13 years. Karen meets professionals at various points on their career path and works with them to gain a clearer sense of where they want to take their careers.
Karen Kodzik holds a Masters Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career Development. Karen couples seasoned counseling skills with a solid business acumen. She has coached and consulted various levels of professionals across industries to successfully reaching that next point in their career.
