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What about me? A personal development course for carers in Wales
What about me? A personal development course for carers in Wales

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Clarifying your goals

Planning a career takes time! If you are thinking of a new career, or perhaps wondering where further study and qualifications might lead you, you may want to research other resources before identifying possible goals for the future. Further information and advice is available from Careers Wales [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] or The Open University’s Careers Advisory Service.

There is also a Find out more section at the end of the course, with information links and contact details for further resources and support.

Your goal may be a new career, a course of study, learning a new skill or improving your situation – whatever feels right for you at this stage of your life. Make a note of any points that you feel you need more information on, such as study skills, funding and fees or course choice, for example – the links given above will help you. Keep your notes safe because these will help you with your plans and in completing this course.

You’ve heard from James throughout the course. Now listen to James talk about his experience of studying part-time while caring.

James: life, work and study

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Claire: life, work and study

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As you listened to James and Claire, did you notice if they were always sure about what they wanted to do? Although James had wanted to do a masters degree, he had not originally planned to pursue post-graduate study. Claire had tried different education routes before she discovered her enjoyment and enthusiasm for sign language, in which she is now working towards a qualification.

Sometimes a change of direction or goal is forced upon us. We heard earlier about how James had to leave full-time employment after having to take up his role as a carer. Other changes or choices are made voluntarily, for example if we find that we enjoy a particular subject or have skills in another field.

Reflection

Do you already know what you want to do? Have you thought about different possibilities?

Activity 4.2 Clarifying my goals through visualisation

Timing: You should spend around 30 minutes on this activity.

You may have some idea of what direction you would like to go in now or you may still be thinking about it. When we have had difficult or disappointing experiences in our lives, these can affect our confidence and how we feel about the future.

You have explored your skills, qualities and abilities and have some idea of what you have to offer. Now ask yourself:

  • Where am I now?
  • What am I doing?

Take some time to imagine yourself in the future. Allow yourself to consider that there are possibilities for you.

Write a sentence saying what your hopes are for your future. You might find it useful to look back at the notes you made for Activity 4.1.

You can use Activity sheet 4.2 or save this in your notebook.

OR

Go to Activity 4.2 of your Reflection Log.

You can share this or keep it to yourself. Once you have completed the activity, make sure you save the document again.