The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com

When you think of the term “emotional health,” what comes up for you?  How do you define it?  What are the pieces of your “emotional health” pie?  My own life experience and the experiences of many of my previous therapy clients has demonstrated to me that career choice is one important element of emotional health for many of us. 

Here is my story:

I used to work in the “glitzy” and “glamorous” world of movie and television production; with well known actors, directors and on films and TV shows you’ve likely heard of.  As much as I initially thought this was the dream career for me, it simply wasn’t.  In fact, it became evident that I was missing out on a lot of life and my relationships suffered as a result of the long, unpredictable hours, weeks spent out of town on location and general chaos when working on a movie. 

This ultimately started to emotionally and physically take a toll in a way that hurt my soul.  After pushing past my fear (not easy), I left the movie business, went back to school, got my Masters in Counseling Psychology – and ultimately became a therapist.  For me, this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life in that now I feel more personally “filled up” and content.

Not sure if you’re negatively impacted by your career? 

Career discontentment can be very stressful whether it be about doing a job that has no meaning, is a toxic environment or is simply against your grain.  Here are a few signs that you might be in a career that’s not working for you internally.

• Work avoidance.
• Excessive worry about work.
• Increase in illness or physical pains with no medical explanation.
• Defensiveness and frustration.
• Substance abuse.
• Bad mood impacting family life / relationships.

As uncomfortable as career strife is, it has the potential to help drive you forward to do something different, to search for meaning and satisfaction elsewhere.  If you can break through the fear of it – and are able to logistically pull it off – then career reflection and possible direction shift can be an important step toward your emotional health.

When I made my big career move it was a mentor who helped me to understand this was possible and helped me explore and challenge my fears around it.  The person for me happened to be a therapist but there are other mentor-type people that can assist with dissecting the various layers unique to you in contemplating “what next?” if you’re at a career crossroads.  Perhaps members of your support system can help you.  Maybe a therapist can assist you in finding clarity on the issue like mine did for me.  Whatever method you choose, it’s in the best interest of your emotional health – and in some cases, physical health and relationship health - to do so if possible.

It’s human nature to seek happiness, fulfillment, emotional and relationship health.  I am grateful for having the ability to do such a significant career change as I realize not everyone can easily manage this.  I am passionate about my career combining therapy and writing - and there is no question that I’m doing work that is in line with who I am internally.  I highly recommend it!

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Lisa Brookes Kift is a psychotherapist, writer and creator of The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com, providing tools for emotional and relationship health.  See more mental and emotional health articles by Lisa.  Learn about her therapy practice in Marin County, CA.

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