Finding a Career in Harmony with Your Life Path

Which of the following would you chose? Doing your lifework as a permanent occupation or a regular activity performed in exchange for payment. The first is the definition of a career and the second that of a job. Both involve physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something, but in a career you are self directed and at choice. In a job you are generally following orders and passive.

If what you do now is more of a job and less of a career, you are cheating yourself and the community. By doing what you love, you contribute the best in yourself and influence positive change in the community. Jobs aren't wrong, but they should not be permanent. Doing something merely for a sense of security drains you energetically.

So how do you go about discovering your career? A good start would be to ask yourself some questions and answer them without limiting yourself. Don't let that ego in your mind criticize or make comments while answering these questions. Forgo doubts and fears and allow yourself to be truthful.

The Questions

  • What accomplishments am I most proud of? (Be honest without judging yourself. If the word pride is holding you back, change the question to what accomplishments pleased you most.)

  • What activities bring me joy? (Now and in childhood)

  • What subjects do I find exciting? (Not just interesting, but those things have an emotional draw.)

  • What type of personality do I have? (I suggest using the Enneagram as a guide.)

  • What are my talents? (No false pride here. Holding back only cheats yourself and our society of positive influence you can contribute to our world.)

  • How do I define success? (This is very important. Take some time to think it through. Dig a little deeper than whatever your first response is by asking yourself why. Try substituting happiness for success. If you are clear on what you want emotionally, intellectually, and physically you are that much closer to getting it. Do not let others define success for you.)

  • If I did not have to earn a living, what would I do instead?

  • How do I best interact with people? (small groups, large groups, one on one, in person, in writing, over the phone)

  • After you're gone, what would you like to be remembered for?

  • Do any of these things overlap or compliment each other? (The more items you can utilize in a career choice, the more powerful you can be in that career.)

    • Answering these questions will give you a compass heading in creating a career in which you can shine. Find someone positive and supportive to assist you in brainstorming and creating your career. Remember that life is a journey. Your personal lifework may evolve as you do and change over time.

    Dare to Soar with Carolyn Frances,
    Life Coach & Spiritual Guide,
    http://www.ClaimingGreatness.cc

    In The News:

    Unemployment rate steady at 6.1%
    National Post, Canada - Sep 5, 2008
    Gord Waldner/Saskatoon Star PhoenixDalton Charles visited the Careers and Employment Services office in August. Dalton has worked in the house building ...

    UPDATE 1-Monster employment index rises in August
    Reuters - Sep 4, 2008
    O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), an online careers and recruiting firm, said its Employment Index rose 2 percentage points to 159 during the month. ...
    Monster US online jobs index edges up in August Reuters
    all 30 news articles

    Greenboro Chamber Job Expo
    WXii 12.com, NC - Sep 5, 2008
    Are you employed but looking for a new career? Need full-time or part-time employment? Then the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has the event for you. ...

    Ex-convicts struggling to find jobs
    Rockford Register Star, IL - 20 hours ago
    Careers etc. is offering a lifeline to Werle and hundreds of others like her in the county. The East State Street agency provides transitional employment to ...

    Out of the inbox, into the dog box
    New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - Sep 5, 2008
    The Employment Relations Authority ruled later that he was unjustifiably dismissed, but he wasn't reinstated and his career lay in tatters. ...

    Semi-retirement is no life of leisure
    Financial Post, Canada - 15 hours ago
    ... advantages that go with self-employment. Taylor identifies seven "hot" semi-careers including: consulting, creative communications, full-time investing, ...

    The Career Academy Story
    Education Week News, MD - Sep 5, 2008
    They showed significant positive effects for former students in terms of their employment and earnings eight years after high school. ...

    Graduate employment hunters 'happy to change jobs'
    Women in Technology, UK - Sep 5, 2008
    New graduates seeking employment are demanding to be challenged and are not content to remain with companies if they believe their careers are stagnating, ...

    Canada's Government and Prince Edward Island Sign New Training and ...
    MarketWatch - Sep 5, 2008
    This will provide the Province with the flexibility to focus job training programs and employment supports on the local and regional needs of both employers ...

    COORDINATOR/COUNSELOR
    Seattle Post Intelligencer - Sep 4, 2008
    DO-IT activities serve to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. ...
    careers employment - Google News


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