You're never too young (or too old) to change direction

Most people don't step back and decide they need a more fulfilling career-life until they've spent a long time in a job that fits them poorly. That's one of the reason I tell young graduates to ask their parents and their parents' friends if they are satisfied with the career direction they chose. In the majority of cases, these older workers will say they are not satisfied but they have stayed on their career path because it offered a sense of stability, upward mobility, financial security or job security. Many of these people have worked for more than two decades in careers for which they are ill-suited. Sometimes, that long slog through career mediocrity ends when a person decides enough is enough and they go out and find a career that truly resonantes with their natural abilities and talents.

However, you don't have to spend decades in the wrong career to come to the conclusion that you are not applying your natural talents at work. Sometimes, it only takes a few years to realize you have to get off your current career path. In most cases, you just have to be honest with yourself: Are you really happy doing the job you have? Or, do you just put the time in hoping the path you are on will eventually be satisfying?

One young career changer came to the conclusion he was on the wrong track within two years of graduating from college. Jon Adamec's story is inspirational and it certainly illustrates the decisive action and personal support often required to shift into a more satisfying career.

You can find Jon's story on Pamela Slim's blog. Pamela Slim is a career coach who helps frustrated corporate employees break out of their mundane lives and create entrepreneurial lives that are satisfying, lucrative and which resonate more fully with their natural abilities and talents. She is the author of the book Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur which is an excellent, step-by-step guidebook to launching a career that fits you perfectly.

Check out Pamela's blog and read Jon's story. I think you'll find them both informative and inspirational.

Matchmaker, make me a match

A few weeks ago, after I wrote my blog post on doing what you are, I wondered if there was a website that could match your personality type to current job openings. Today, in the Cranky Consumer column in the Wall Street Journal, Sarah Needleman identifies and compares four such job search sites. Check it out at Making a Match: Job Sites Get Personal.