Interests
Imagine how it would feel to actually enjoy earning your livelihood. What a great feeling to wake up in the morning and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the workplace. What a rush to be so engrossed in your work that you don't even notice the passing of the day. When your work is interesting, you feel fulfilled, energized, focused, and yes, even happy.
On the flip side, if your work is dull, routine, in significant, and boring, the negative consequences are enormous. You start to shrivel up inside. You lose your energy, spark, motivation, and even some of your brain cells. Inevitably you burn out on your job and either quit, get fired, become a vegetable, or terrorize your co workers with automatic weapons.
Figuring out your interests is worthwhile and simple. The following exercises give you a good start.
Your Favorite Activities
Take a few minutes to fill in the following blanks. List the ten activities that you enjoy most. It is not important if they appear to be unrelated. Indicate how often (daily, weekly, monthly) you engage in these activities. You may be surprised to find out that you have been neglecting what makes you happiest.
Now look at your list carefully and place a star next to any activity that could be performed in a work-related setting. For example, if shopping made your top ten, think about the work that one might do as a buyer or personal shopper. Believe it or not, just about everything you want to do for fun can be connected with work. You can throw the adage "Don't mix business with pleasure" right out the window. Try to generate ten occupational options based on your list. Get a counselor, friend, or someone who knows you well to help. You'll be surprised how many realistic career options will emerge from a couple of good brainstorming sessions.
The Long Haul
It's one thing to get stuck in a job for a few months, but imagine staying in the same field for 98 years. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mr. Izumi began working at a sugar mil) in Japan in 1872 and re tired as a sugar cane farmer in 1970 at the robust age of 105.
Follow Your Dreams
''What I finally realized... was, frankly, that I didn't enjoy what I was doing. There are probably a lot of people out there like me who end up doing something, and they get caught up in a career. What happens is you find yourself twenty years later down the roof and… you say, why? Take some time off, whether you want to go to Europe for half a year or to California and get a job as a bartender for a year, or Florida and work on the beach at Ft. Lauderdale... The primary reason is not only to have some fun while you are young and healthy, but to really think through your career before you start. Try to keep your options open. Because whoever you work for will be keeping their options open. If you have an itch, scratch it. If you have an urge, pursue it. If you have a dream, try to follow it."
Winning the Lottery
Imagine winning the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. Your money worries are over. The only financial decision you have to make is whether you want your money in $250,000 quarterly installments or $1,000,000 at the beginning of each year. Let's also assume that you have all the education necessary to pursue any career. You can do whatever you want with your winnings provided that you continue to work. No eternal shopping sprees or permanent vacations allowed.
Now find a quiet, peaceful place, a sanctuary where you can contemplate your future without being disturbed. Put on some Enya or Kitaro - any New Age music will do. Let your imagination run wild, unencumbered by practical considerations. Remember, money and education are no longer obstacles. What kind of work would you do? Try to describe how you would spend your time. What would your physical work environment look like? Do you see yourself outdoors, behind a desk, or in a space station? Who would you be interacting with-corporate executives, migrant workers, college students? How would you dress? In a suit and tie. Gap attire, or grunge? What would a typical day be like? In what types of activities would you be engaged? Would you be analyzing the rise in interest rates, reporting on Madonna's latest affair, finding new homes for foster children, selling hi-technology, researching DNA and its link with disease? Try to conjure up as vivid an image of your work day as possible. Write down every detail you can remember. If at first you have difficulty with this exercise, don't worry. Give it a rest and try again when you are feeling more relaxed.
Occupational Fantasies
Have you ever fantasized about what you would like to do for a living? Do you have the same aspirations you had when you were a child? Make a list of all the occupational fantasies you've had over the course of your life. For each, indicate your age at the time, and what factors you believe led to the origination of the fantasy. Have your dreams and fantasies changed over time? Do you notice any patterns or trends?
