Finding Your Ideal Career (or Business)

Want a career (or business) that brings a smile to your heart? Don't
know exactly what that career might be? This list of ideas can start
you on your way. Make the process fun by scheduling a visit to your
favorite place -- the beach, mountains, whatever -- where you can
compile your lists and daydream too!

Seven years ago, I completed the process described below by trial and
error -- or was it error and error?! I didn't have a non-biased
person, such as my coach or a consultant to support and assist me in
the process. I created the process as I went along. You are much
luckier than I was at the time! You have this Life Resume and you
know where you can go to hire a coach!

Take an assessment test: personality, skills, etc. I have compiled a
few lists of free online assessment tests and quizzes for you at
www.coachmaria.com/articles.html Also check your local phone book for
college career centers, career consultants, or career counselors who
offer such tests and many other helpful services too. Online visit
the coach referral resources located at
http://www.coachmaria.com/coaching.html

Start a new type of resume. List the first paying job you had and
then start writing all the tasks you performed. You will not be
graded on your penmanship... promise!

Compose a volunteer resume, same format as listed above - listing the
positions and tasks you performed.

Create a list of what you volunteered to do when you went to school.
What organizations did you belong to? What projects did you volunteer
for? If you're a mom and/or wife (dad or husband), add lists for
those areas too! You're putting together a "this is your life
resume".

Create a list of every career you've ever thought you might enjoy
since you were 5 years old. (Ages 6-10 are extremely important!)

Now go back to all your lists and cross off every task that drove you
crazy, or that you couldn't stand doing, or that you promised
yourself you'd never do again! Ask yourself, "is this something that
I would enjoy doing for 8 hours"?

Take a look at what you are left with and look for the patterns. For
example: Did you enjoy teaching in each paying and volunteer position
you've held? Does organizing or working with numbers or working with
your hands come up in your descriptions time and time again? Does a
clear picture of your ideal career or business shine through?

If your ideal career isn't evident yet, try these resources:
~~ Visit the Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook at
http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm
~~ Ask people, what careers someone would have if they were doing
__________ (the things you enjoy doing)?
~~ Consider this...you have the perfect life while you are enjoying
working. What would you be doing? OR you won a million dollars and
the only stipulation in receiving it is that you'd have to continue
working. What would you be working at?

Now, go find your ideal career (or business)! Or create something
wonderful and new!! Take some classes if need be... and above all,
SMILE...

With special thanks to the John Crystal Institute (NYC), Richard
Boles, and the many other authors who wrote books I've read or
studied over the years. Also thank you to everyone who was unable to
create their resume, and instead asked me to design it for them.

About the Author

© Copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved. Maria Marsala, Business & Life
Coach-Consultant. Maria works with individuals as they design, start
and grow their business or career around what they love to
do. Visit http://www.CoachMaria.com to subscribe to "Growing You and Your
Business" a free weekly online newsletter.