Value of Discomfort

Although this may not be a problem for most, for some mentees, the response to the exploration of work, education, and career options will create a definite feeling of disturbance. In such instances, mentors can consider prefacing the effort to explore alternatives by briefly reviewing the fact that such endeavors sometimes do trigger additional stress.

Of course, legitimate discomfort is often a necessary ingredient in serious encounters with oneself and others, and anticipated anxiety reactions by a mentee should not automatically be viewed as grounds for terminating the activity.