CLUES TO CONSIDER IN A CAREER CHANGE

 

As you look at making a career change it is important to look at work that you would enjoy doing. The average person will work approximately 40 years plus in his/her lifetime. Many of you have-probably worked in job fields that you do not like. A recent study indicates that only about 51% of the current work force like what they are doing. Now that you are in the process of making a job change, why not find a career direction that would make you happier.

 

Work through the following topics and see if you can identify clues to help you find a career direction that you may want to pursue.

 

HOBBIES. You have probably seen many of your friends and relatives turn a hobby into a career. What hobbies are you involved in that could lead you to a career direction? Examples include: Have good computer skills (turn to the computer field); Are a persuasive speaker and can influence others (consider sales or marketing); Are a creative person artistically (graphic design, printing industry are possibilities) etc.

 

My Hobbies:  _______________________________________________________

 

What jobs or careers would any of them lead to? ___________________________

 

SPARE-TIME ACTIVITIES can also lead to career directions. What spare-time activities are you involved in that could lead to a career change? Examples: Do back road jeeping (Consider being a back country map maker.); Take photographs (Consider photography as a career change.); Enjoy entertaining (Consider being a professional caterer or party arranger); Enjoy working with animals (Consider being a veterinarian aid or technician.)

 

MY SPARE TIME ACTIVITIES ____________________________________________

 

What careers or career directions could any of them lead to? __________________

 

STILL ANOTHER TECHNIQUE OF LOOKING AT CHANGE IS IDENTIFYING SUCCESSES YOU HAVE HAD IN LIFE AND THE SPECIAL SKILLS OR TALENTS THAT WERE USED IN THE SUCCESS.

 

SUCCESS IN LIFE                          TALENT USED                    CAREER OPTION

Others come to me for advice.        Advising/Counseling           Social worker/Counselor

 

Work well with tools.                     Automotive knowledge        Auto Tech/Parts Person

 

Won award as investor for firm.     Money management            Financial Planner, Banking,

                                                                                            Credit Union

 

Recognized as a good organizer.     Organizational skills            Admin. or Personal Ass’t.

 

Are a good driver.                         Driving skills                       Professional driver or

Chauffer

 

MY SUCCESSES                           SKILLS USED                    CAREER OPTIONS

 

________________________       ____________________          ___________________

 

________________________       ____________________          ___________________

 

________________________       ____________________          ___________________

 

 

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TOLD ME I WOULD BE GOOD AT ARE ALSO IMPORTANT CLUES THAT CAN HELP YOU LOOK AT CAREER CHANGES.

 

List below jobs or career fields that others have suggested:

 

________________________       ____________________          ___________________

 

 

TOPICS YOU TALK ABOUT WITH OTHERS are also important clues to consider as you look at a job change. List below topics of discussion and any career fields they might lead to.

 

TOPICS                                                  CAREER FIELDS THEY MAY LEAD TO

 

Ex. Hunting and Fishing                           Selling sporting goods equipment,

Ex. Cars and trucks                                  Auto and truck sales

Ex. Clothes and fashion                            Clothing/shoe sales, Alterations and design

 

 

BOOKS YOU READ are also clues to interests and may lead to a career avenue. List the types of things you read below and consider career options they may lead to.

 

 

BOOK TYPE                                           CAREER OPTIONS

 

Ex. House Decorating                               Interior design, Drapery sales etc.

Ex. Investing, Money Management            Financial Planning, Banking

Ex. Homes, Property                                Real Estate, Property Management