According to a recent survey, more than 50% of US workers are unhappy with their current career. In some of these cases, it might be that a change in pay, or recognition for a job well done, might be all that's needed to improve the situation, but for many it is the job itself that is a problem. It may just not fit in with the employee's own values, interests or mindset.



I find it amazing that so many people choose careers without really thinking whether they are going to enjoy it or not. After all, we spend most of our waking hours either at work or travelling to and from it. Why not spend those hours doing something enjoyable or, at the best, fulfilling?

The reasons for career choice may be numerous, but it often has something to do with the kind of questions you ask yourself when you are considering a career. Too many of us, at a vulnerable age, ask ourselves the wrong questions, such as: what do my parents want me to do? Will this impress my friends? How much money can I make? Or perhaps some do not ask any questions at all, but just fall into the first job opportunity that comes along, and then get stuck there, believing that they cannot change.

However, if you are stuck in a job you dislike or hate, the only thing that is keeping you there is you. You can choose to stay, or you can choose to take action and find a career you can love.

You see, the choice is always yours. Once you realise that it was your choice that got you into this job, you will realise that it is equally your choice to get you out of it. No-one else can do that for you.

Think of how much your work affects the rest of your life. It influences your health, your family, your finances, your self esteem, your friendships etc. How much longer do you want your job to be the master of your life?

Choosing a new career is not something that should be done lightly. It involves some self investigation and serious research.

The first step is to ask yourself the right questions:

* What do I like doing? What do I dislike doing?

* What am I good at? What am I not so good at?

* What have I achieved so far? What would I like to achieve in the future?

* What are my interests, values and attitudes?

Some people find this kind of self analysis very difficult, but it is only through honest self-assessment that you can make the right choice and find a career you will love.

Once you have answered these questions, you will be armed with the information you need to research the career areas that are most suited to you, and to veto those that are not suited to you.

Your next step will be to list careers that will fit in with those answers you made to the questions above.

Once you have this list, you need to find out the following:

* What training, if any, is required?

* Where can you do it?

* What duties/tasks are involved in the job?

* What hours will I work?

* How will it impact on my lifestyle?

* What companies offer work in this field?

* What opportunities are available for future advancement?

Some challenging questions and issues may be raised during this process and will need some careful thought.

For example, you might discover that your ideal career involves a certain amount of training. You will then need to think about how you will fund this, where you can do the training and whether you might need to relocate.

If you have truly found a career you know you could love, these issues need not be reasons to give up on your dream, but be regarded as stepping stones on the route to a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Do not allow yourself to make excuses for not taking action. This is why many people get stuck in unrewarding careers, because they are not prepared to take action. They take the path of least resistance which seems like the easiest option. In years to come many of these people will regret that they did not take action when they could have done. Don't be one of these people. Don't give up on yourself.

Finding a career you love will take commitment. You need to set it as a goal, and then work out the steps to get there.

When you start taking the steps to change your career to one that you love, you will already begin to feel more confident and happy. You are making a statement about yourself, that you are worth making the effort for, that you deserve happiness and fulfilment. With these positive thoughts, you will be well on your way to achieving it.

Are you going to continue working in a job you hate? Or are you going to change your career to one that you love?

It's your choice.