Evaluating You

There are lots of career coaches around today. Some have great credentials. Others do not. One thing that sets them apart is that the good ones will tell you up front that the only person who can decide which career is best for you is you.

If you're not unhappy with your job I have a great new book for you: I Don't Know What I Want But I Know It's Not This, A Step-by-Step guide to Finding Gratifying Work by Julie Jansen. Reading this book is like spending several sessions with a career coach. A really good career coach.

Like many career planning books on the market, I Don't Know What I Want But I Know It's Not This is filled with self-assessment exercises. What makes this book different is that Jansen provides assessment exercises based on your circumstances. There are six situations to choose from:

• Where's the Meaning?
• Been There, Done That, but Still Need to Earn
• Bruised and Gun-shy
• Bored and Plateaued
• Yearning to Be on Your Own
• One Toe in the Retirement Pool

Everyone who's been laid off can benefit from Bruised and Gun-shy. In this chapter, Jansen examines the emotional impact of losing a job. She also explains a few things to look for in your next position. Hint: be sure you're a good fit with the company culture.

A book and workbook rolled into one, I Don't Know What I Want But I Know It's Not This can help you plan your next step whether you want to change careers or start your own business. Pick up your copy today; it's almost like having your own career coach.