There are many scenarios that would constitute a career crisis. If you are in one we don't need to tell you what they are.

Many of those in the middle of a career crisis will start to look at or perhaps just think about alternative jobs or even careers.

The problem with this is that when one is in the mists and midst of a career meltdown or a major career dilemma - there is usually too much of a desire to "jump ship" or "get out" with insufficient time spent in the evaluation, researching and planning phase ( ie career guidance). Frying pan into fire then becomes a real possibility.

This understandable reaction (to feel desperate) has a number of problems with it not least the risk of making precipitous or poorly thought through career decisions.

Prior to joining one of our career programmes - if there is any hint of a crisis.... we try to establish how "urgent" you are feeling in regard to your desire for a better career plan. 

Uber-urgent... Urgent ... Slightly Urgent or  Non Urgent

Possible situations leading to career crises and a sense of extreme urgency for career planning support include....

• A suspension
• Extreme burnout
• End of contract looming when the job has not gone well
• Inability to cope with the job
• A negligence investigation
• Colleagues no confidence vote
• Parenthood conflicting with work

Whatever the level of urgency it is usually the best approach to attempt to do anything that gets things closer to the non urgent level. Taking this as the number one goal priority or interim decision means that a more steady and considered approach can be taken.... getting a sensible short term career solution and then and then only shift to more intensive and in depth career analysis.