1. Why do I do what I do?

2. When do I get stressed?  Why?

3. Do I have enough time for my family and friends? If not, why?

4. Who do I like to work with (and who don't I like to work with)?

5. What sort of work fulfils me (and what doesn't)?

6. What do I dislike about my job (irritating, boring, etc.?)  Why?

7. What part of my work do I enjoy most, find challenging or gratifying?  Why?

8. What are my major and secondary skills, interests and capabilities?

9. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses?

10. What are my network contacts both in and out of the legal profession; clients, government, alumni groups, associations, etc?

11. What do I do for fun? Can any of these lead to a potential job or career choice? (You can be sure someone is earning a living doing it - why not you?)

Top 10 Ways to Define the Job You Want

1. Type of Job - what kinds of jobs allow you to utilize your strengths? Which of these jobs can you see yourself going to each day for years?

2. Type of Industry - this is not a choice to be made lightly. Each industry will provide a different life: not just your career but your experiences and friends, perhaps even your location.

3. Type of Organization - Do you want to want the prestige (and politics, bureaucracies and rules) of a big established company or the challenge and opportunity (and risks) that a smaller start-up offers? One that promotes from within or hires from outside? What kind of management philosophy and culture do you value? Do you

4. Career Path - how far/high do you want to go? What specialties/niches might you be drawn to? Identify the type of jobs that will help you move towards it.

5. Job Structure - similar jobs can have totally different structures. You can have a job that is part of a team or one where you are on your own. You can have compensation based on team objectives or group profits or only based on your own achievements. Do you want a job with set goals and objectives? Do you want a job where you are told exactly what to do - or one where you help in determining strategic decisions?

6. Work Hours - how long and how hard do you want to work? Are you willing to work long hours, late at night and/or sometimes on weekends? Or would you rather work less? Do you want to work part-time or full-time? It is up to you, but either way you need to decide up front.

7. Travel - some jobs require extensive travel whereas others demand little to no travel. If you enjoy travel, then a desk job may not appeal. However, if you have a family you don't want to be away from, it may be best to have a job where you go to the same location every day.

8. Office Setting - if you like being around others a large office environment may be optimal. Some like the freedom of working on their own without the need for direct supervision. In this case working from home may be more appealing. Do you prefer headquarters or a remote location? An office building or at home? Are you comfortable working in a cubicle or do you need an office? Do you want to wear business casual or professional clothing?

9. Location - people do choose to move to another place strictly because of a job. Before you do that, you need to be honest with yourself about what is important in your life. If you are close to your family and friends, a move may not work out.

10. Compensation and Benefits - you might love your job but if you are not making enough money to have the kind of lifestyle you want, you won't be happy. If compensation and benefits are important to you, there are several areas of compensation to explore including: base salary or hourly wage, bonus versus commission, profit sharing, housing allowance, car allowance or company car, stock options, retirement plans, medical benefits, raise policies, perks. Compensation is one of the biggest culprits of employee dissatisfaction so you should spend some serious time clarifying your spending patterns and figuring out what you need to earn in order to be happy with your job. While compensation is not the sole determinant of job satisfaction, it can hold significant weight.

Once you know what you want, you will be more focused, efficient and successful in your job hunt. Also, you will convey the impression of a goal-oriented person. That will come across loud and clear in an interview and will set you above your competition.

 For the Top 10 reasons for not changing jobs, send an email to bs@futurevisions.org
   with "MWS Top 10 JobChange" in the subject and nothing in the body