Still trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"?

Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what we would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several years of work experience, but that is not the kind of work they want to keep doing.

If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, particularly without any guidance, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of pre-conceived notions you have about what the field is like, without getting the facts. Just brainstorm and come up with a list of potential occupations, to get you started.

Some people find it helps to complete some self-assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests and skills. There are also assessments that will help you to clarify your personal strengths/personality type, or your values, as they relate to work, or other personal preferences.

Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can work your way through it.

Create a list of occupations from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. Review that list and identify any that you need more information on. You may want to read about some of those potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do, now that you are grown up.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job search or career change, retirement planning, or other life transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor 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 on her services.

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.