If you made a career change...

[RIJIMMY]

Passion is a big driver. I've witnessed people who are not that good at something but push hard and get themselves noticed and as a result are successful.
As corny as it sounds, Joe Jackson said it all, "You cant get what you want until you know what you want"
I wish I had a career I was passionate about. Since I have had kids, I have been so impressed by our peditricians. Sometimes we go to them so distressed and desperate and they make everything all right. That must be a very rewarding career. I'm sure there are plenty of very depressing issues they deal with that I do not see. I wish I could go home at the end of teh day feeling like I made a differnce. I feel like I spend all day digging a hole and at night someone comes by and fills it up.

[fishweewee]

Passion is indeed very important.

I once had a chat with a career counselor on the train home.

I asked her if she could summarize in one sentence how one could go about finding the perfect job for oneself.

Her answer was brief but profound.

"Find out where your INTERESTS overlap with your ABILITIES."

Sounds easy, but it takes a lot of introspection and maybe some feedback from others about what you like to do and what you are good at doing. And even then, these might not mesh with any current opportunities.

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by fishweewee

I once had a chat with a career counselor on the train home.

Where can I find one of them???

[fishweewee]

Originally Posted by fishaholic18

Where can I find one of them???

They're often listed in the yellow pages.

If not, try calling a professional recruiter/recruiter - they can refer you. If you work in a company with an HR department, try discreetly asking around there (preferably with a person you trust).

It's worth the time and money to go speak with one, be it an outplacement counselor or career coach. It's for everyone - not just white collar types.

They do lots of things like do diagnostic skill and personality tests, and give personalized advice as to what might be good for you.

[Jimbo]

Short of FWW's advice, there used to be a popular book called What "Color Is Your Parachute" that led you thru some exercises. The result, if you could be honest with yourself, were several lists of your personality traits, likes and dislikes as far as what one would like in their ideal vocation or career. It may sound sort of corny, but I have used this tool previously with appreciable results. I don't know if it's the perfect job, but I've been here for 20 years and am not considering leaving. Finding out and compiling some honest and revealing information about yourself might help narrow the field for your search for the perfect job. I'm sure there's no bookstore that doesn't have a self-help section with books like these. For the cost of a $5.95 paperback, what could it hurt.

[fishweewee]

To piggyback on Jimbo's comments...

Don't underestimate the importance of your personality type on your work life.

This book is great if you want to explore your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and compatible career options. It's only $13. When you figure out what personality type you are (there are 16 distinct types under the MBTI system), you will likely be amazed by the comments. I'll leave it at that...

Here's a great introductory read. "Do What You Are" by Paul & Barbara Tieger. It looks thick but it's actually short reading as it discusses all 16 personality types and ideal career matches - you only need to read one out of the 16 profiles once you know which type you are.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...644318-8033720

[mrmacey]

And get back to work all of you!!! I am going home to take a nap now my sales manager is taking care of things here at the office my chauffeur is handling the driving hmmmmm all of a sudden things are working in tune with each other things are lightening up for me even though it is busy as hell People on this board remember me when I was laid off had no plans but to fish and collect my check but I couldnt do that forever so here it is 2 years later things are working and believe me it was not easy doing it by myself I repeat BY MYSELF booking answering phones driving 24/7 oh did I say BY MYSELF now I have help and things are easing up not bad for 2 years of hard work maybe 5 years ill be semi retired and will only have to show up for a couple hours in the morning but that is what working and owning a company is about I dont want to fill others pockets anymore and I do not want to be on a clock like a robot okay enough from me im off for the day enjoy yourselves!!! its 80s out there LOL

[mrmacey]

E Myths by Michael Gerber awsome books for anyone interested in starting a small business.