If you’ve already done the math and you're thinking you could use a new job, or a whole different career, then you’re probably already wondering:

• Who's hiring?
• How much do they pay?
  
• What kind of job can I even get?
• Can I get a some kind of work that I might actually enjoy?

Before you start putting together a resume, filling out applications, scouring the newspapers or going online to look for a new job, there's a very important step that can save you a whole lot of time, energy and money. Why not take a career test to find out what kinds of jobs you are most likely suited for? I wish I had known about these kinds of tests back when I was looking for a new job. The Careefitter Test shows your strengths, weaknesses and potential jobs that would likely be a good fit for you based upon your personality profile. I recently took the career test and got the full report. It was extremely informative. (My readers will be relieved to know that according to the test, I'm actually working within my strengths now!) Consequently, since this particular test had me pegged so accurately, I can unreservedly suggest that you start out by taking the Careerfitter.com free test.

My "New Job" Story
I could literally feel it in my bones - I was getting too old to do the job I’d loved for over a decade. Back pain was my constant companion. I was on a first-name basis with my chiropractor. And it was getting harder and harder for me to physically carry around the bag of supplies for my job. Just getting into and out of my car multiple times a day or even staying alert during long, late meetings was becoming a challenge.  It was time to start looking for a new job. I applied for part time work within the same field twice, but didn't get the job.  I was beginning to despair when I decided I'd just hire myself and start my own business. But keep in mind, it took me four years before I was making more money than it cost me. My learning curve would've been so much shorter if I had taken a career test in the beginning. Then I would've had a clear picture of my personal strengths and weaknesses and I would've outsourced or delegated the things I'm not particularly good at. I discovered this the hard way, and it wasted a lot of time and money.  So I'm coming clean and hoping someone else will learn from my mistakes. It's easy to take inventory of yourself, know the job market, and make smart decisions accordingly.

Re-Entering the Workforce
I'm not the only mom who would've benefited greatly from a career test. At the peak of the Great Recession, a newly divorced stay-at-home mom needed to re-enter the workforce after being at home with her kids for ten years. Fortunately she had earned her college degree from a prestigious university before she got married, however she had very little work experience. After sending out hundreds of resumes (and getting no job offers) she eventually took the same retail sales job she had when she was a student - with low pay, no benefits and un-family friendly hours. But she suspected that she could be doing something more rewarding, and something that had higher pay.

Following Her Dreams
Another working mom left a high-pressure, high paying career in the financial sector to become an elementary school teacher. Even though she earned her Masters in Education with honors and had connections within her local school districts, when she started applying for a teaching job, teachers were actually being laid off - not hired. After hundreds of resume’s, phone calls and a few interviews, she’s grateful she eventually got to be an on-call substitute within her school district. No benefits, no guaranteed work schedule, but it is a paycheck and it’s within her field.

If these scenarios pull at your heartstrings, you're not alone. I've shared them with you to let you know that career tests aren't only for college students. People like you can probably get more out of them than anyone. So before you hit the pavement looking for a better job, may I suggest you consider taking a career test?  The 2010 Jobs Report is also a valuable tool to have before you begin your job search. (This comes with the full version) You’ve got to start somewhere and knowing yourself & what kinds of options there are for a career just makes sense! Then you'll have a more complete picture of which types of industries and careers are currently hiring, and how much you can expect to make, along with skills you'd need to land and keep the job. Used in combination with sites like CareerBuilder.com this will give you the tools you need to know yourself and know your job market.

Sabrina O'Malone

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