Snack craving may predict career choice - Behavior - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Dec, 2001

The average American will have three to five careers, 10 to 12 jobs. and will hold each one for an average of 3.5 years throughout his or her lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Does this sound familiar? Are you still struggling to find the ideal career?

Finding your dream job may be as simple as opening that bag of potato chips in your kitchen cupboard. A study conducted by Alan Hirsch. neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Chicago, found that job satisfaction is correlated to your favorite savory snack. "A person's job selection reflects his essential essence and his personality," he maintains. "Food choices--like selection of clothing, movies, and spouses---can provide insight in personality and character structure. Thus, the typical personality traits associated with savory snack preferences can be used to help predict occupational choices, because a person's job selection also reflects his essential essence and his personality."

Because potato chip lovers are ambitious and successful, it is not surprising that lawyers and CEOs prefer them. If you're itching for a job change, don't waste time taking interest tests to determine your preferred career. Use Hirsch's theory to link your favorite snack food and personality profile to a career and discover the ultimate in job snack-isfaction, Each craving is analyzed below and followed by the occupations that he says fits the description:

People who choose potato chips to satisfy their snacking urges have high expectations not only for themselves, but for those around them. Competitive. they usually come out on top in business, sports, and social situations. (Lawyer, tennis pro, police officer, CEO)

Lively and energetic, those who prefer pretzels seek novelty and easily become bored by routine. They are excited by any challenge, whether it is at work, in sports, or at home. They make decisions based on intuition and emotion, especially in romantic relationships. (Firefighter. journalist, flight attendant, veterinarian, pediatrician)

Fans of the tortilla chip are perfectionists. This trait extends beyond their actions to the community at large. They are humanitarians who are often distressed by the inequities and injustices of society. Sticklers for punctuality, a tortilla chip eater is rarely late for an appointment. (Farmer, travel agent, chef, clergy, news anchor)

Formal, always proper, conscientious, and principled. people who crave cheese curls have a well-developed sense of integrity and maintain the moral high ground with their family, coworkers, and romantic partners. They plan ahead for any possible catastrophe. With Band-Aids and batteries, the cheese curl lover's house is always stocked and ready. (Real estate agent, psychiatrist, producer)

Self-assured and confident, those who prefer popcorn are best described as take-charge sort of people. They will not hesitate to assume extra work on the job or take on chores at social gatherings. Even though they are self-confident, popcorn lovers are modest and humble, and would never be considered showoffs. Popcorn buffs are hidden successes. (Teacher, artist, truck driver, nurse, judge, neurosurgeon)

Those who prefer nuts tend to be easygoing, empathic, and understanding. When confronted with an emotionally charged situation, they can be counted on to keep calm and not join the fray, allowing time for the emotional upheaval to pass. Their even-keeled nature makes them well-suited for dealing with the public during emergency situations. While nut aficionados may not always be leaders, it is their demeanor and assistance that allow the family or workplace to succeed (Plumber. architect. sanitation worker, cardiologist, politician)

Cracker devotees tend to be contemplative and thoughtful, and base their decisions on solid reasoning instead of their emotions. They value their private time and are most creative when allowed to be alone, free from daily responsibilities and interruptions. (Stockbroker, race car driver)

Those who crave meat snacks like a stick of beef jerky or bag of pork rinds are the life of the party. Gregarious and social, they are at their best amidst the company of others. They are loyal and true friends who can always be trusted, and will make extraordinary self-sacrifices to please others. (Dentist, bartender)