Tips for Finding a Satisfying Career

Would you like to find a career that you would be happy and satisfied with but are unsure on how to go about in do so? To help understand common mistakes people make when trying to find a career and for tips on finding a satisfying career, I have interviewed psychotherapist Helen Tracy Parnell, M.A. LPC.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I have Bachelor of Science in Sociology from College of Charleston and my Masters in Counseling from Webster University, both in South Carolina. After my Masters degree, I went on to get licensed as a professional counselor (LPC)."

What are common mistakes people make when trying to find a career?
"One of the biggest mistakes that I believe that people make when trying to find a career is that they chase the money FIRST and their actual dreams and talents second. There are a lot of really miserable people who are working jobs/careers who may be making money but who hate their lives because they're not doing anything that they like to do, believe in doing, care about doing.

Another mistake people make is not fully knowing how to turn something they love into a career. Find something you're good at and figure out a way to make money at it. The whole reason I became a therapist started when I was about 13 or so, t that point I was old enough to go into the grocery store alone and found the most peculiar thing happening to me. Complete and total strangers would tell me their whole life stories or their greatest traumas while we were standing in line to check out. I figured that the ability to listen (and to have what I call a "grocery store face", a face that makes people feel comfortable) was a gift and that I needed to learn how to use it to the best of my ability.

Another possible mistake that people make when trying to find a career is underestimating the value of education in their life. These days education is everything. Even college graduates are having a difficult time in the job market. This doesn't mean that if you only have a GED or less that it's impossible, it just means that it is never too late to start."

What are some tips for finding a satisfying career?
"One of the things you can do is start with the job that you have right now (assuming that you have a job) and ask yourself specifics about what you do and do not like about the job. This will give you a jumping off place to move on to a new job. Another tip is that you have got to know your own personality type, maybe start a list of characteristics, and be realistic about it. Don't write down that you're an optimist when you're more of a realist, for example. The last tip is this: Ask yourself the 'Miracle Question'. If you went to sleep tonight and a miracle happened and you woke up to being able to work at the PERFECT job, what would that job be? (and yes, you would still have to work)."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time finding a satisfying career?
"There are obviously many staffing agencies that would be able to assist someone with dealing with helping him or her to get a job. However, if you're looking to find out what the root of finding the satisfying career is, you may need to contact a therapist for a period of brief therapy. I would see clients to help them get to the bottom of their indecision and what is blocking them from being able to decide on a career path. I, and many other therapists, also have several assessments, which could help to clarify any specific talents that may be of use on a job or in a career field."

Thank you Helen for doing the interview on tips for finding a satisfying career. For more information onHelen Tracy Parnell or her work you can check out her website on www.workinprogresstherapy.com .

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5691220/reducing_unemployment_stress.html?cat=5">Reducing Unemployment Stress

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5582692/how_to_write_a_cover_letter_for_a_job.html?cat=31">How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/126073/how_to_get_the_job_you_want.html?cat=31">How to Get the Job You Want