A fulfilling career is important to job satisfaction and happiness. A report conducted by the General Social Survey found that 53 percent of workers aren't satisfied with their career. Choosing the right career can boost satisfaction. However, a career that's rewarding for one person may be a nightmare for another. Job satisfaction is based on a person's interests and career goals. Choosing a career that is consistent with your interests will provide greater fulfillment.
Step 1
List your interests. A fulfilling career is tied to your interests. For example, if you enjoy working outdoors, brainstorm careers where you could work in nature. If you enjoy working with numbers, a career in finance might be a good fit.
Step 2
Complete an assessment. Career assessments evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and interests to suggest potential careers. These assessments are available online (See Resources). The state unemployment department also offers career assessments to job seekers. Cost is usually nominal, depending on your state's fee structure.
Step 3
Learn about prospective career education requirements and salary. Once you have narrowed down your career choices, learn about the next step in launching the career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics allows you to search occupations through the company's database. The database includes information about a typical day in the career, education requirements, licensing restrictions and salary range data.
Step 4
Apply to an internship opportunity. Before investing time and money in additional education, complete an internship in your area of interest. You will get hands on experience to determine if the prospective career is the best fit. Internship experience will also appeal to prospective employers.
Step 5
Talk with a career coach. Career coaches are specialists in helping people identify the right career. According to CNN Money, however, it's important to select a reputable coach. Choose a coach with credentials from the International Coach Federation (See Resources). This credential means the professional has completed formal training in career coaching.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you have identified your new career, revamp your resume for the new position. Focus on skills that "transfer" to the new position. For example, if you are launching an event planning career, focus on organization, customer service and other skills hiring managers will value.
- Don't limit your career search to one tool. Instead, use a variety of options, such as assessments and career coaches. Look for common patterns in the results. For example, if two methods list sales as a top choice, it might be worth considering.
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