Career counseling is Vicki Lind’s third career. Her book, Finding a Job Worth Having, guides clients through their own career transitions in a seven session process to discover their top values, skills, and interests. We talk with her about how she herself became a career counselor and how her coaching
may helps those considering self-employment.
How did you become a career counselor? I have a Master’s in Counseling. I want to apply it in a practical direction.
Career Counselor Vicki Lind helps people decide if they are suited for self-employment or being an employee.
How did you come to write your book, Finding a Job Worth Having? Making a career transition is a big decision. I want to guide people through the process of identifying their top skills, values, and interests.
What is different in my book from a book like What Color is My Parachute? My finger is on the pulse of what works in Portland and can guide folks to research local career directions.
How does your book help those in career transitions decide if self-employment is an option? The book helps people assess if they have the mindset for self-employment.
First, I ask these questions: What kind of personality traits to you have? What is your relationship to risk?
Second, I ask people to examine their financial position? If they can’t pay rent ,they might need to work a day job while working on self-employment on the weekend or off hours.
Third, we explore their interests and passions. Are you really excited about self-employment?
What are the myths that people have about self-employment?
Two sets of beliefs stop people from becoming successful entrepreneurs. The first is that you have to be an extrovert who loves to sell, or at least interact with lots of people. That is less and less true as the internet plays an increasing role in driving sales and success.
Second, some people believe an outdated maxim, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” I once had a client was passionate about making worm bins for kitchens. She needed to do a financial analysis and market need assessment to add to the love. She found out that it did not add up.
How do you help someone like this who has a heartfelt idea but you aren’t sure if its practical?
I refer them to Jackie’s book, Better, Smarter, Richer, or one of Jackie’s classes to find what they can uniquely offer that the market is willing to pay forr.
Want Vicki’s job coaching? Contact her at A Portland Career here.
Want help with an encore solo business? Contact Jackie here.
Want training or attend a networking group? Visit Better, Smarter, Richer Events to see what’s happening.
