People spend a significant chunk of their lives working, but many find themselves unhappy and frustrated in their careers. Career counseling can help pinpoint the best jobs for specific individual strengths.
Whether an individual is just beginning a work career or has been in the workforce for decades, career planning can help with future choices. Counselors begin by assisting clients to understand their particular personality. Different jobs are perfect for different people.
Introverts work best when they can have some work time alone. Extroverts thrive on activity and interaction. To determine clients’ best work situation, counselors will first administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. This instrument does not measure how mentally sick or healthy clients are, but instead attempts to describe personality attributes. Once clients understand their needs, they are better able to decide which jobs will best suit them.
If desired, clients may then take a vocational interest inventory such as the Kuder Preference Record or the Strong Interest Inventory. These measures can help focus clients’ academic or career efforts.
All jobs have some drawbacks, but a career that fits individual needs enables us to feel productive and happy.