Career Transitional Coaching

As this year’s 4th of July weekend draws to a close, let's pause to reflect on its significance beyond the fanfare of parades, BBQs, and fireworks. It has been 248 years since our founding fathers declared independence from the British Empire. They would likely be amazed at how their vision has evolved into the American dream, woven into the very fabric of our nation.

The brave actions of our founding fathers, in demanding independence, continue to resonate globally, shaping our daily lives and the freedoms we often take for granted. This spirit lives on today in the actions of our soldiers, first responders, entrepreneurs, and everyday workers—each contributing to our nation's progress by pursuing their own version of the American dream.

While today's challenges in business and employment may seem less dire than those faced by our founders, they still stem from frustrations that can build up until a breaking point is reached.

The Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, arose from such a point—a culmination of courage to say;

The journey towards personal independence mirrors this historical struggle. It begins with a
willingness to confront our fears and realize that our jobs are just one aspect of our identity.

Often, the comfort of familiarity prevents us from making necessary changes, even when we feel trapped or unfulfilled. But there comes a moment in everyone’s life when the risk of staying the same outweighs the fear of change.

To illustrate, consider these sobering statistics from Google:

 52.3% of employees are unhappy with their job.

 13% of Americans struggle to cover their bills.

    46% barely make ends meet.

Despite these figures, nearly 75% of Americans never apply for their dream job.
Why do people stay in demotivating or toxic workplaces? Fear and self-doubt often keep us in place, perpetuating a cycle that seems impossible to break. Isaac Newton's law of motion aptly
describes this inertia: a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest remains at rest.

Without proactive steps towards change, the situation persists.

Employers, too, recognize the importance of retention, yet solutions often miss the mark.

Empowerment throughout the employment lifecycle offers a promising path forward—something
many have discovered through reframing their perspectives and establishing new standards.

Achieving mental independence in the workplace is not easy, but it begins with reshaping how we view our circumstances and ourselves  about finding perspective amidst challenges,

Much like a plumber accustomed to sewer smells who can immediately detect the scent of a rose introduced into the environment.

As we celebrate the significance of this weekend, let's also celebrate the journey towards emotional independence in the workplace. If you would like to learn more about how others have reignited their passion for employment, please feel free to reach out.

Enough about mental independence; let's return to the main focus of this article—interesting facts about the 4th of July:

Established as a federal holiday in 1870, and as a paid holiday for federal employees in1941.

Fireworks tradition dates back to 1777 to commemorate Independence Day.

 The National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner; was adopted as the national anthem in 1931.

We hope this discussion has contributed in some small way to your understanding of the pathway to emotional independence in the workplace. Reach out to us if you're interested in exploring this further.

Today, many of our heroes face harsh realities as they transition back into civilian life, encountering challenges that few of us can truly understand. After serving our nation, they often struggle with pain, addiction, divorce, PTSD, and prison, and, tragically, many are lost to suicide. This shouldn't happen, but it is, and we can't ignore it. Thankfully, there are people and organizations dedicated to helping, but more needs to be done.

Why are so many of our honored men and women falling through the cracks in the labor market or being forgotten as heroes? It doesn't have to be this way. Our veterans deserve better. Despite our nation spending billions on defense, little attention is given to the transition of warfighters back to civilian life. Without proper training for this transition, they can become lost, leading to uncertainty and despair.

This struggle often results in addiction, tearing families apart and demoralizing those who once served proudly. Thankfully, recovery centers are making a difference for those fortunate enough to find their way there.

This issue is personal for me. I have been in recovery for several years and understand the internal pain many face. This motivates me to run Superior Career Services, aiming to help veterans and others in recovery find meaningful employment. It’s not about me or my company; it’s about recognizing the need for support and action.

Awareness is crucial in addressing this problem, and compassionate, non-enabling support is essential. We all have a role to play. For me, it involves raising awareness and creating employment pathways for those in recovery. There is a way out of despair and into empowerment, utilizing past skills and military training for successful employment and fulfillment.