When re-reading Steve Jobs commencement address at Stanford University in 2005 I was struck by two specific passages:

“And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love.”

I have met with countless clients who are taking the first steps in following their hearts to find a career they love. These individuals know that something is missing in their current job or career. Their heart is telling them that their current career is not the right fit for them. In fact, I was one of those individuals several years ago before I went through my career transition.

Some individuals come into my office knowing what it is that they want to do, but they are scared to take the next step. For most people, a career transition is not an easy process to go through. There are many factors involved from the tactical (concerns about money, additional educational requirements) to the emotional (fear of failure, mistrust in ourselves).

A Career transition is a journey, from identifying what your path is, to creating a plan to get there, to taking the active steps necessary to execute that plan. A career coach or counselor can help you through each of these steps. They can help you fully explore the ideas your heart and intuition are telling you about the next step in your career. Or if you don’t have any ideas on the next career move, they can help you find a career that fits your personality, values, skills, interests. They can help you create a plan to get to that next career which will include identifying ways you can gain the necessary skills for the career you want.

Career coaches and counselors can partner with you as you begin to execute your plan to move to the next career, and help you when you get stuck or come to a crossroads. Finally, a coach will be there to provide you with support as you go through the transition.

Steve Jobs loved his career for a variety of reasons. Ask yourself today, do you love yours? Are there steps you can take to love your career more? Whether it is your current career or the one you were meant to do, remember, “follow your heart and intuition”.