Enjoy the ride - Careers 2003

Careers and Colleges, Jan-Feb, 2003

From the time we're five years old, we hear the same question from just about every adult we encounter: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Even these days, I get that question in one form or another. What they are really asking now is: "Are you happy doing what you're doing or would you rather be doing something else?" It's a pretty deep question. And, one I sometimes ask myself to be sure I'm where I want to be.

Whether you've had the same career in mind since you were five or whether you're just asking yourself "what do I want to be" questions, this issue of CAREERS & COLLEGES is here to help put you on a course to finding a rewarding career. The first part is self-assessment-learning what you're good at and discovering what your personality type indicates you might enjoy career-wise. Part two is to learn about what other people do in their jobs to decide if it sounds interesting. Our career profiles will give you glimpses into different fields.

As you read this issue and get ideas for your career journey, keep in mind: Careers aren't about the money. There are plenty of people making lots of money who aren't happy because they aren't doing something they really love. So, find something you love to do. Go out into the world and explore. Want to be a nurse? Volunteer in a hospital. See if you like that environment. Talk to nurses to see what they like-and dislike--about their jobs.

Also, ask people if they had to pick a career path over again what they would do differently. Ask specific questions about what they do and don't enjoy about their work. If you find someone who has a job that sounds really interesting to you, ask if you can visit him or her at work to see what it's really like.

As you travel along your career path, keep yourself open to new opportunities and detours. Our editor, Don Rauf, has interviewed scores of people who ended up in careers they didn't set out to be in. His conclusion is simple: a career is a journey not a destination. So treat your career search as an adventure and enjoy the trip.

Paul Mckeefry

Publisher

CAREERS & COLLEGES