Imagine What You Would Do

Imagine what you would do if you didn't have to work to make a living. That is, after you are tired or bored with sleeping until noon every day or whatever thoughts you have about using that free time. What would you do with your time if you could do whatever you wanted?

The answer(s) to that question offer clues to things you would enjoy as part of your work. If you are doing something you enjoy and would do by choice, then it doesn't feel as much like work. That is one reason why many career assessments are designed to help you identify your interests. So if you have not considered what you would spend time doing, I encourage you to do so. It is usually helpful to create a list without deciding if you possess the ability to do it first. Later you can narrow the list to meet any parameters/limitations that exist.

There are people who have generated some ideas about career directions that they had never considered just by doing some daydreaming. Others were reminded of some career dreams they had forgotten. Still others may recognize a recurring theme - occupations they had considered or thought about before but, for various reasons did not pursue. Whatever the results of your daydreams, you will probably be able to have a few career options to consider.

I encourage people I assist to do some reading to find out more about what is involved in a career before deciding whether or not to keep it on an active list. Once you have created a short list of potential occupations you are seriously considering, then I suggest you do some informational interviews. If you are not familiar with the term, I am referring to talking with people who are doing the kind of work you are interested in. Preferably the meeting would be at their place of work - this will give you (as the interviewer) an opportunity to ask some questions and learn more about that particular occupation or field. Conducting informational interviews can give you a better sense of what may be involved in that line of work to help you in deciding if that sounds like a good fit for you. But, it all starts with some healthy daydreaming!


Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.