What do you consider to be the major career problems for Inez

My name is Inez and I’m divorced mother with three children whose ages are 23, 17, and 16.

I’m currently employed by a grocery chain that specializes in health food. Currently I oversee the coffee, tea, and chocolate section in the store. I like my work, but I haven’t always been happy in a working situation. In the past I have gone from one job to another including the following jobs: working in a cleaning business wreath making, waitress, nurse’s aide, cook, teacher’s aide, truck driver and health care assistant for disabled individuals. As you can observe I have difficulty sticking to a job and I tend to procrastinate. I seem to be searching for something I can’t find or really identify. Sometimes I feel that I could identify what I want to do in the future, but I am afraid to try for fear of failure once more. It is hard for me to generate the confidence and energy to get started on a project.

My main problems have been depression, feelings of anger, helplessness, and fear of leaving my home. There are times when I feel happy and enthusiastic and other times I feel very depressed. It is during the feeling of depression that I cannot focus and function well. Often, I cannot complete even simple tasks. On the other hand, when I feel well, I can relate to other people, but I resist becoming involved in close relationships.

I am now 44 years old. My father was in the armed service and we moved quite often. I have lived in Colorado, Virginia, Louisiana, and Italy. I have two younger brothers. My parents divorced soon after I graduate from high school. My marriage also failed, and my children have become quite discouraged with my mental health problems. One of my major goals is to give them a better home environment. When I have been able to work, I have had hope for the future. I am currently seeing a therapist and taking antidepressant. I have never had any career counseling even when I was enrolled in college, but work has been very important to me. I feel much better when I can function well on a job, and this feeling of well-being has fostered my lifestyle and other life roles. I still have a secret ambition of owning my own business. I would welcome the opportunity to explore some options. I know from past experience that my personal problems will hinder my progress toward upgrading a pathway to a more fulfilling work role.

The Questions for Discussion

1-What do you consider to be the major career problems for Inez?

2-How does Inez’s emotional instability affect both career and personal concerns?

3-What is the significance of the statement I can relate to other people, but I resist becoming involved in close relationship?

4-Conceptualize the interrelationships of career and personal concerns?

5-What are you counseling recommendations for Ines including the use of assessment instrument?