My Career Needs a Makeover

Do you ever wonder how people are so chipper in the morning? I mean, let's face it. It's early. Just another dreadful day of work. Right? Still, some breeze by so fast, one would think they're shift was ending; not beginning. They seem fresh, vibrant, and happy. .What's the formula? Is it really the five cups of coffee? I'm sure preparation a plays a factor. However, ponder the thought: they may actually enjoy coming to work. They may be happy with their lives and comfortable with their career.

But here's the real question. Are you happy with your career? Or is it time for a change? If you feel this way, don't be alarmed. According to a February 2007 report by The Conference Board, statistics show that more than 50% of Americans are unhappy with their job. And that most Americans average 14 jobs between the ages of 18 and 34. This states that half of Americans across the country create career patterns they are miserable with. Despite the numbers, it is possible and attainable to reach your goals and not only achieve success from your career but joy beyond measure as well.

First things first. Do you know who you are? Knowing who you are and what you like to do plays a key role in evaluating your career options. With so many work disciplines, one can become overwhelmed when deciding what is best. You may be wondering what's out there. Do you need training? What skills do you already have that you can link you to your career? Do you see yourself in that specific work field long term? These questions present just the beginning of the common concerns addressed when finding satisfaction for work whether inside or outside of the home.

Goal planning is one way that allows you visually create the path for the "big picture". But your road to the "big picture" can prove to be a long one if you are not honest with yourself. Who are you? What do you like to do? And how can you transform this passion into profits? Confronting these answers may not easy. Though there are some ideas that you can implement to ensure you trip is not a bumpy one.

Start jotting down things that interest you. Then begin your research. In your search, take notice of careers relating to your interest and what it may entail (Do you need additional education? What is the starting salary? etc..) You also want to check out companies that hire candidates in this particular field. If working from home is your cup of tea, do some research on companies that have flex-work options. And no search would be complete without success stories. Just about everything you want to do, has been done it, or at least something similar to it. If your idea yields towards more a business than a career with a company, research your competition. How did they start? What are they doing or have done that has brought success and how are your ideas different? If you need additional assistance, I would recommend taking a career assessment. There are some websites that gives some nice career reports that are included below.
Once you have decided upon your goal, you want to create a realistic timeline for completing any necessary requirements associated with it. If it helps, create a daily to do list of the things you should do everyday that helps to bring you closer. If you have several goals, create a priority list setting with the most important one first.
Finally you want to get others involved. It helps to stay focused on a task when you invite others for help with ideas, resources, and just plain support. Plug into networking forums and advice columns is the best avenue for networking. There is so much you can learn from other people and you don't even have to leave the living room to meet them. Yahoo, MySpace, Facebook, Squidoo, seems to be really popular. But there are countless others.
Acquiring more information about your desires and interests will not only help you plan your goals, it also saves you from a rocky career transition. One that you may or may not be prepared to face.

So get on the good foot and start creating your path to inner growth. Each day you do, your another day closer to your destiny.