Many of us, the working people of today, tread on the ever winding road of our career path in blindfolds. We work, because let's face it, we have to but a vast percentage of the 20 to 40 hour employee population that hold steady jobs are extremely unhappy with the careers they currently hold. This is a factor for a number of reasons and believe it or not the main reason derives simply from the fact that individuals sometimes don't really know what it is that they want to do for a living. It doesn't even matter if you have a college degree. Thousands of adults hold degrees in fields that they aren't absolutely head over hills for. The fact is still argued that doing what you love and getting paid for it, is still for some American's, an American Dream.
So, how do you find the dream? How do you ignore the voice in your mind that pulls you to your current job as a receptionist each day because you "have" to go, and begin to listen to the voice in your heart that really wants to open that daycare center. You may love your job as a receptionist, but may have a longing to contribute to the care of school aged children. Or you could possibly not have a clue about what you want to do and the only thing you are sure of is, it isn't what you are doing right now.
What some of us have to realize is choosing the career path that is right for ourselves is the first step in true success. When you love what you are doing, it doesn't feel like work. People who are in fields that fit them, are said to be happier and healthier in life. Do you know anyone who is stressed out because they are unhappy at work? Men and Women who choose careers that fit their personality seem to strive harder to be number one in their fields and hold the potential to make a great financial living. They are more willing to put in those extra hours because they enjoy what they do! They enjoy making the difference.
Now let's discuss a few of the factors associated with embarking on your personal career path:
Your personality
No two personalities are alike. There are many test out there in the internet world that help you narrow down the types of jobs you may excel at and enjoy, based on your personality. Many colleges give these tests to help students when choosing their majors. If you are in college and unsure about your career path, ask your counselor. Some employers give these tests before hiring to ensure a proper fit with the company. There are also a few books with great advice and/or a few self analyzed tests you can take at home. Some of my favorites; Discover What You're Best At, by Linda Gale, Zen and the Art of Making a Living, by Laurence G. Boldt, and Career Solutions For Creative People, by Dr. Ronda Ormont.
Motivation
You want to work for yourself. You want to quit your full time job and work part time so you can go back to school to get that Accounting degree you've always wanted. You know you need a business plan, a better resume, or you need to move to a bigger city to submit those Movie Scripts you finished years ago. Why don't you? Lack of motivation or maybe fear of the unknown. There is nothing to be ashamed of when feeling this way. These two obstacles are almost expected when beginning on a new career path. Sometimes having friends and family telling you that you can do it isn't enough. I recommend these self help books for getting you motivated not only in your career choice, but in life; The Practical Dreamers Handbook, by Paul & Sarah Edwards, and Life Without Limits, by Lucinda Bassett.
Follow Through
You may already have the degree and funding to be able to apply for that new job or to begin your entrepreneurship. If so, great! Now you have to follow through. You need to be able to compete with the others in your field without fear and hesitation. The best way to do this is to be prepared. Have a great business plan written, or revamp the Resume you haven't updated in a few years. Whatever you need to feel prepared, do it! That way while walking on your newly found path, you can feel more confident in each and every step you take. Seven Steps to Getting a Job Fast, by Michael Farr is great for helping you prepare for those interviews, and Business Plan Writer Deluxe, by Nova Development is an efficient software choice when writing your business plan.
