When I think about what constitutes career happiness, I think of the people who lend support along the way. Personally I have changed jobs, left jobs, landed jobs using creative and assertive job hunting strategies, and started my own business. A lot of it took courage, especially when it came to the dividing line between following a gut instinct and following the path someone else thought was best for me. Those who supported me over the years allowed me to fail – just as much as I succeeded.

Today I still marvel at the fact that I found the career of my dreams. It energizes me at 10:00 at night when I am getting off a client call and focuses me even during the busiest hours of the day when I am helping my kids with everything (and more!) that they need.

I look back on the people in my life who have helped me get to where I am today, and one of my very best friends comes to mind. Although she is no longer here, I still have the notes and cards and memories of Cindy’s unwavering support along each curve. She knew how important my career was to me, and even when I thought the struggle was too great or the challenges too steep, she said she knew how much I had to offer, and how great I could actually be.

When I was in-between jobs at one point over the years, Cindy suggested I check out job opportunities in high-end salons. She told me in that happy and supportive tone that I really should – I would get great discounts! The thing is, Cindy was the one whose customer service skills made her the perfect fit for helping customers love their salon experience. She also looked like she belonged there; the red hair, nails, skin and clear eyes matched her beautiful surroundings. I laugh at that memory perhaps the most, because she knew a salon setting was not for me, any day of the week. But there she was, cheering me on, just like she did dozens of times in the years that followed. Cindy’s birthday is in September, and every year at this time, I think of her. I think about how much I miss our wonderful friendship of almost 20 years, how much she gave me, and how much she let me fail, as much as I succeeded…all with laughter, and light.

We all need people who support us as we chart our paths to professional and personal success. They don’t all have to say the same thing, or carry the same weight. In fact, they shouldn’t; some may be mentors, others may be people whose advice we value and who know us best, like family members. Some we simply luck out on, like a great friend who just keeps steadily smiling, keeps us laughing, and cheers us on to victory.

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©2014 Traverse Career Solutions | Ellen Dunagan