Throughout my sessions, I have a variety of questions that I ask my career counseling clients. Typically, I spend the first half hour of my sessions diving into five specific questions which can reveal clues as to what potential careers would be the best fit for my clients. The first question I typically ask is, “What makes you feel alive?” I want to know not only what makes my client happy, but what makes them excited about being on planet Earth. The Lord has imparted specific desires in each of our hearts and it is a wise idea to examine those desires, even if they are just hobbies. Speaking of hobbies, that relates to another question I ask which is, “When you were around age 8 what sort of hobbies did you engage in?” Our childhood playtimes and hobbies can reveal deep, latent giftings that we may have suppressed as adults. It is additionally prudent to not only assess childhood hobbies but to examine what we have been told we have always been “good at” throughout our lifespan. That topic is a variation of another question I ask my clients. It is not only important to be self-aware of areas we have always excelled in but to also contemplate areas where we are currently helping others in our everyday lives. Where we have a natural inclination to serve others can be an indicator to our next career path. I ask questions revolving around this as well. Lastly, I inquire about my clients’ current day and night dreams. Both types of dreams can be how the Lord speaks to us about His desire for our next career path. I firmly believe that these questions and other Spirit led conversation starters can effectively help my clients get on the right path to their God given destiny, calling, or dream career.

Denise Payne, MS
Certified Career Coach