In Commitment Stage, you will feel confident, in that you have figured out what you are meant to do. Sometimes people have known all along what they were meant to do, but were not able to commit to process of making it happen, for whatever reason. At this stage, more than ever, you must focus your energy and keep your eye on target. Key characteristics: §Conducting a job search §Negotiating and accepting a job offer

In Retention Stage, you will feel comfortable in your career field, as you will now have figured out how things work in your industry. You will want to remain committed to your career by continually updating your skill set and staying current with industry standards. Key characteristics: §Providing first-class customer service skills §Building a professional network

The Transition Stage is characterized by feelings of discomfort, in that you are unsure of what you will be doing next (and/or if you will be happy). In this stage, you will learn to make conscious changes in your career direction. Key characteristics: §Making career changes §Developing resiliency

No matter what career stage you find yourself in now, you can be sure that you will enter and re-enter through these six stages many times though out your lifetime.

***This article is adapted from book, Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work by Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.

Michelle L. Casto is a whole life coach, speaker, and author of the Get Smart! LearningBook Series, which teaches the importance of self-awareness, active reflection, and following your intuition. Her coaching practice is BrightLight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. Visit virtually for free articles and resources: www.getsmartseries.com and www.brightlightcoach.com

5. Stiffening or closed-in body posture You know what YOU do in uncomfortable situations. You fold your arms tightly across your chest. You stiffen your spine You tightly cross your legs. You turn your body at an angle away from person you are facing You lean away from person you are with

Of course, reverse is true when interaction feels good. You lean forward Your arms are relaxed or laying open to person You face other person directly Your posture is relaxed and at ease

It's fairly easy to interpret closed-in posture. The other person feels uncomfortable They aren't open to interaction with you They would rather not be there

If this is a first date, it will probably be last.

6. Physical Contact Perhaps easiest communication to read correctly is that of touch. If your date avoids taking your hand or putting his arm around you he may be uncomfortable or unsure. He may also be shy, but you would already know that.

If someone you have been dating for a while begins to exhibit changes in their level of eye contact, body posture, attention to you, availability and/or becomes restless or less communicative, pay attention. Their feelings have shifted. Be careful not to be too quick to explain it away. More than one occurrence should set off your silent alarm. Make sure that what they say matches what they don't say.

Other (non-verbal) expressions that you should listen to that can suddenly occur during course of a dating relationship are: Calling less or not calling Change in voice tone Becoming busy and not having time to get together Lateness Missing dates without calling or having a plausible excuse Moodiness- irritation/impatience/anger outbursts

If your date or boyfriend/girlfriend sends you any of above (negative) signals, best way to handle it is to comment in a direct (and gentle) way about it. Then watch for what he/she DOES while you listen to their response. This will give you all information you need.