The Top 10 Steps Towards Finding Your Ideal Career (or Business) & Build a Life Resume

Originally Submitted on 7/30/2000.

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

Six 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 made up the process as I went along. You are much luckier than I was at the time! You have this Top Ten and you know where you can go to hire a coach!

1. Take some assessment tests: personality, skills, etc.

I have compiled 2 lists of Free Web based Assessment Tests for you at www.coachmaria.com/personalarticles.html. Also check your local colleges, local Continuing Ed programs and phone book for career departments, career coaches, career consultants, or career counselors who offer such tests and many helpful services too.

2. Start a new resume.

List the first paying job you had and then just start writing all the tasks you performed. You will not be graded on your penmanship... promise!

3. Compose a volunteer resume, same format as listed above - position and tasks you performed.

4. Create a list of what you have done as a volunteer at school.

If you're a mom and/or wife, add lists for those areas too! We're putting together a "this is your life resume!"

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

6. Now go back to your first list and cross off every task, on any of your lists, that drove you crazy, or you couldn't stand doing, or promised yourself you'd never do again!

Ask yourself "is this something that I would enjoy doing for 8 hours a day?"

7. Take a look at what you are left with to see what the patterns are and write the patterns down.

For example: Did you enjoy teaching in each paying position you've held and as a volunteer and for play? Does organizing or working with numbers or working with your hands come up in your descriptions time and time again?

8. If particular positions don't come to mind at first take a look at the Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

9. 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?

10. Then go find your ideal career!

Or create a wonderful and new career!! Take some classes if need be... and above all smile!

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