Wednesday, February 8, 2012

How to Plan a Career 2: Find Your Passion

Love your JobThis continues our series on how to plan a career that can capture your passion

Thomas S. Monson advised youth and adults ““My advice . . . is that you should study and prepare for your life’s work in a field that you enjoy, because you are going to spend a good share of your life in that field. It should be one which will challenge your intellect and which will make maximum utilization of your talents and your capabilities. Finally, it should be a field that will supply sufficient remuneration [salary] to provide adequately for your companion and your children” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Life’s Greatest Decisions,” Sept. 7, 2003).

Begin With You

Most people plan a career backwards. They start by trying to find the top 10 growing jobs, something their uncle can get them into, or listings in the paper. They try to adapt to what they see. They fail to recognize how many options exist in the world. They fail to consider what they want to do.

I suggest that you begin your search by analyzing what you love to do, what you value, and what captures your passion. Several simple interest inventories can help you begin your journey of discovery:

I also strongly encourage you to read and study What Color is Your Parachute? 2012 Edition by Richard Nelson Bolles. He provides some fascinating exercises in the book to help you discover what you want to do and why.

Join me on Friday when we explore Holland’s RIASEC code to match interests to occupations

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