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Home › Articles › Career › Stepping Off the Curb

Stepping Off the Curb

Redefining Your Career Path

By Mary Dixon Lebeau

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Where to Begin
The first step is to know where you've been, says Damian Birkel, founder of Professionals in Transition, a Winston-Salem, N.C.-based support group. "You take your first step toward your future by looking back at what you've done with your career. No experience you've ever had, regardless of how it ended, has been a waste of time."

"Everything you've done has taught you more about yourself what you're capable of doing, what you like, what you hate and what you need," says Birkel. Writing down these qualities known as an "interest inventory" to career counselors may be the first step to self-discovery and new direction.

"Knowing where you've been and what you did, didn't do or wish you'd done while you were there is the first step toward building a new career in which you can achieve personal satisfaction and professional success," he adds.

Available Resources
If you find you're having a difficult time taking that first step alone, look for help. Each state's Department of Labor has employment offices (known as "Employment Services," "Job Services" or "Workforce Development") where you can speak to a career counselor and complete interest inventories and employment plans. Best of all, there are no charges for these services since you've already paid for them with your tax dollars.

Of course, there are professional career counselors, job-readiness coaches and mentors who provide similar services. They can be found in the telephone book or you may receive referrals from friends or professional organizations. Keep in mind, however, that these may be expensive. If you do choose this route, make sure you investigate your choice carefully to ssure you're investing your money and your time wisely. A good career counselor can help you evaluate your background, abilities and likes and dislikes all essential components in selecting a new career.

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