Finding a Career in Harmony with Your Life Path

Which of the following would you chose? Doing your lifework as a permanent occupation or a regular activity performed in exchange for payment. The first is the definition of a career and the second that of a job. Both involve physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something, but in a career you are self directed and at choice. In a job you are generally following orders and passive.

If what you do now is more of a job and less of a career, you are cheating yourself and the community. By doing what you love, you contribute the best in yourself and influence positive change in the community. Jobs aren't wrong, but they should not be permanent. Doing something merely for a sense of security drains you energetically.

So how do you go about discovering your career? A good start would be to ask yourself some questions and answer them without limiting yourself. Don't let that ego in your mind criticize or make comments while answering these questions. Forgo doubts and fears and allow yourself to be truthful.

The Questions

  • What accomplishments am I most proud of? (Be honest without judging yourself. If the word pride is holding you back, change the question to what accomplishments pleased you most.)

  • What activities bring me joy? (Now and in childhood)

  • What subjects do I find exciting? (Not just interesting, but those things have an emotional draw.)

  • What type of personality do I have? (I suggest using the Enneagram as a guide.)

  • What are my talents? (No false pride here. Holding back only cheats yourself and our society of positive influence you can contribute to our world.)

  • How do I define success? (This is very important. Take some time to think it through. Dig a little deeper than whatever your first response is by asking yourself why. Try substituting happiness for success. If you are clear on what you want emotionally, intellectually, and physically you are that much closer to getting it. Do not let others define success for you.)

  • If I did not have to earn a living, what would I do instead?

  • How do I best interact with people? (small groups, large groups, one on one, in person, in writing, over the phone)

  • After you're gone, what would you like to be remembered for?

  • Do any of these things overlap or compliment each other?(The more items you can utilize in a career choice, the more powerful you can be in that career.)

    • Answering these questions will give you a compass heading in creating a career in which you can shine. Find someone positive and supportive to assist you in brainstorming and creating your career. Remember that life is a journey. Your personal lifework may evolve as you do and change over time.

    Dare to Soar with Carolyn Frances,
    Life Coach & Spiritual Guide,
    http://www.ClaimingGreatness.cc


    More Resources

    Learn How to Throw a Boomerang
    Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of inviting back talented former employees into the fold.Surveys indicate 12% of employers cautiously admit they would re-hire ex-employees (alumni).
    No Experience? No Problem!
    Are you a new graduate with little or no work experience? Sometimes it can be tough to get a job without experience, and how do you get more experience if you can't get a job? Well, your chances are better than you think. Even if your work experience is a little weak, you've probably got life experience that will help you.
    How To Ask For A Pay Rise!
    Negotiating a pay rise is not something many people do on a regular basis. By applying these keys you will be well positioned to improve your negotiation skills and feel more empowered when asking for a pay rise.
    Building a Solid Network
    A client who has a fine arts degree wanted to move out of his successful career in advertising and into the real estate development business. He had already enrolled in a top notch MBA program to learn more about the field.
    Interview Quicksand
    How will you respond when you're asked the following two questions?1.What type of boss do you like to work for?2.
    When Should You Update Your Job Skills?
    With the U.S.
    Look in the Mirror
    Take a moment to step outside yourself. Now, be honest with me here? If you could be your own boss, how would you rate your own performance in the last three months? Would you get a raise, a day off as a treat, or would a big and brawny security guy kindly escort you to the parking lot?In order to be an effective marketer and a progressive human being for that matter, you have to take a breather and look in the mirror.
    Rewriting Your Resume? 7 Easy Ways To Give Yourself An Upgrade
    In today's competitive job market, a first class resume is an essential tool for winning an interview. The way in which you present your skills, achievements and experience on paper will profoundly affect the way in which a hiring company considers your application.
    Resume Tune Up
    Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over your ability to actually do what you claim you can do in your resume and cover letter.Combine this with the fact that EVERY candidate looks good on paper, no-one leaves their previous job because they were paid too much, the work was too interesting and all the people were fantastic, and you can see the challenge you're facing.
    The Role of a Medical Assistant in a Modern Medical Practice
    Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to assign to a Medical Assistant. It is important to remember Medical Assistants are not licensed to make independent medical assessments or give advice.
    Career Moves: Take Charge of Your Life
    Every day millions of people let their inner fears stop them from creating the life of their dreams. No one will deny that it is scary to step out of your comfort zone, but once you challenge your fear and take action, you can attain great things.
    Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?
    1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2.
    Do What You Love, Love What You Do
    Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure. But we fill ourselves with reasons not to follow our dreams.
    Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change
    My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe and make 2,430 copies of the Ten Commandments convinced me I was on the wrong career path! OK, maybe I'm not quite THAT old.
    Building Your Army of Supporters: How to Build Strategic Relationships in the Work Place!
    Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the door and getting the job the real job of career advancement begins!You will soon learn (if you haven't already elsewhere) that corporate politics are ALWAYS surrounding you. If it is not your boss who is fearful of you taking his job it is your co-worker who wants to ensure that they are seen "better" than you when promotion time comes calling.
    Job Search Tip for College Students
    Today everyone is looking for that special job that will suit their exact needs. In this day and age we all have circumstances, situations, obligations, etc.
    Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies
    I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing book that recommends asking for the job before leaving the interview. I can envision up to 15 qualified professionals each asking the interviewer for the job.
    Looking for a Qualified Medical Billing Specialist
    Families, mothers, employers, and medical practices all interact in one way or another with a medical billing specialist. When medical billing is required, a qualified medical billing specialist can help you process your claim quickly and thoroughly.
    Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched
    Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to get your movie career fast tracked then here are three common sense tips to help you on your way.1.
    Job Interviews: Ill File a Grievance!
    I recently went to a retirement party with my husband for one of his co-workers. I worked at this same place six years ago (that's where I met my husband, but that's another story), so I knew most of the people at the party.

    More Careers & Employment Information:

    Related Articles

    Culture Shock
    Today we hear much talk of the 'global village'. People are have more opportunities to travel and live abroad than ever before.
    Networking Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them
    'Fear of rejection' is the major reason why individuals looking for a career change hesitate to use networking as the most powerful weapon in their job search armoury. This is even the case with senior people who you would have thought anybody would be delighted to receive a call from.
    How to Improve Your Work Situation
    buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation? Why do people, who are successful at one career, have such difficult times coping with their new career? These problems frequently occur, because conflicts exist in their work relationships.Relationships between you and your work can also be considered the "games of work.
    Considering a Career Change?
    Are you thinking about a career change? Many people do this because of specific problems or difficulties. Others want to make such a change because of some growing, generalized dissatisfaction.
    Writing Resumes
    Use a resume as a foot in the doorWhen you go to college, they don't really teach you how to advance your career. In order to get the jobs you want, you need to know how to write an effective resume that will win you interviews.
    The Computer-Friendly Resume
    The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for job searching and recruiting. More and more companies are now relying on computers to initiate the process of hiring and are filling their database with candidates with skills that are easily searchable.
    How To Get A Job Writing Speeches
    Jobs in speech writing are amongst the most difficult to find, but are much sought after. In many cases, the subjects that will deliver them will want to find expert advice on what to say, how to say it, and how to make themselves look good through it.
    Your Salary: What Are You Worth?
    Why is it a good idea to determine your worth? Whether you plan to stay at your current job or seek employment elsewhere, your assessment of your worth can become a bargaining chip should you choose to negotiate for higher compensation. It's a reference point on your way to improving not only your standard of living but your sense of self as well.
    Top Ten Networking Strategies To Get A Job, A Promotion, Or Make A Sale
    Whether you are networking to find a new job opportunity, gain a promotion, or close a sale, you have two main goals with the networking interaction:1. To be remembered so that when opportunities appear, people will think of you as the perfect person to handle things,2.
    Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself
    When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we lose a big part of our identity. Think of the last several times you met new people.
    Searching for an IT Job
    Looking for an IT job is one of the easiest to perform due to the incredibly high demand in the IT field. As the Internet grows, corporations network through Intranets - even the advancement of science has the demand for anyone with IT skills at an all time high.
    Seven Ways to Stand Out in a Sea of Applicants
    Is your résumé getting lost in a flood of résumés? Are you certain you could demonstrate your value to potential employers, if you could just get in front of them? Do you want to dramatically increase your chances of getting a follow-up call from employers? Bait your job-search hook with these seven tips and you'll catch a whale of a good job.1.
    How NOT to Write a Resume
    You can learn a lot about how to do something right by first learning what NOT to do.Take resumes, for example.
    Losing A Career Can Feel Like Getting A Divorce
    Most of us are aware that we need to grieve the death of a close friend, relative or favorite pet. We are beginning to learn that other events -- relocation, divorce, illness -- can also be experienced as loss.
    The Night Worker
    In the process of musing about our perennially awake world for my Social Psych blog, I started to think about our present work world and how its operations have changed the lives of millions of workers.I manage a 24/7 emergency crew (mental health).
    Master Responding to Selection Criteria and Win Your Next Job!
    As a human resources specialist for many years, I've seen it all when it comes to job applications. Most disheartening were those applications in which applicants had not addressed the specified selection criteria .
    Successful Job Search: Knocking Out The Competition
    Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices flowing, generates creativity, a sense of excitement, and motivates us to perform at our best. Looking for work is another matter! When it comes to financial survival, to regaining independence and self-worth, competition can be crippling.
    Updating Your Plum Job Now That Youre a Parent
    It's startling to discover how having kids changes the way you see the world. Just compare your "before kids" vs.
    Learn Some Useful Feng Shui Career Tips
    As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui also provides tips and guidelines to help you improving your career. If your career is not moving on in the way you wish, that is due to a lack of balance and harmony within your environment and the elements that affect it.
    A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!
    Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of the most powerful cover letter tips you'll ever discover. This little-known secret can dramatically increase your job interview requests all by itself.