Choosing a Satisfying Career

In a recent study covered by a leading market research firm, Harris Interactive Inc., it was found that only 45% of America's workforce is satisfied with their jobs. This is a significant drop from three decades ago when a similar survey reflected a 75% job satisfaction rate.

Addressing this concern is a tedious process, but we can all take small and careful steps to make sure we would not be among the 33% who think they are in dead end jobs, or the 21% who wish to drop their current career path in order to take up something new.

Jobseekers: Here is a list of questions that will help you evaluate what career path is perfect for you.

1) Do you know yourself well enough?

* Being able to understand your potentials, abilities, interests, preferences, motivating factors, and values is the key element in choosing your career. Match your personality with your profession.

* If you are creative, who not try a career in art and design? Click here for more information on receiving on online degree for The Arts Institute.

2) Have you set your own personal goals?

* Setting goals gives you something to look forward to at the end of the day. It keeps employees driven and having a positive attitude towards to the work they do. Choose a career that is compatible with goals you have set yourself.

* If your goal is to earn extra money for your savings account, maybe you should try a career that provides commission or incentives.

3) Do you think ahead?

* Identify your weaknesses and possible hindrance to your job satisfaction with the career path you have in mind. Knowing the enemy is a means to winning the battle.

* If you do not have the attention span needed for Accounting, don't waste your time trying it out. If you need structure in your work-day do not try a career in Marketing. Never be timid to try something new, but know yourself before you know your career-path.

4) Have you taken career tests?

* There are tons of career tests you can take online. It is not 100% accurate and may not all work well for you, but it is helpful in widening your perspective and giving you more options for a career path.

* If your career tests show you that you are very good with people, why don't you give public relations or advertising a shot?

5) Are you a risk taker?

* Be open to failure, but do not obsess on it. Learn from mistakes and try as hard as you can not to commit the same ones.