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For me, understanding your values is probably one of the most important (and frankly the least concrete) of all the assessment parameters. Why? Because values touch the core of who we are, why we work, and what we want to get out of our work. And, if there is a mismatch between your values and those of the organization for which you work, this mostly likely will lead to career dissatisfaction and potential illness and undue stress.
Here are some questions to ponder:
* What is important to you in your life and career? This could include achievement, work-life balance, high salary, giving back to the community, time for hobbies, etc.
* Which values are the most important to you? Can you rank this above list? If given a choice between some of your values, which ones would come out on top?
* What motivates you and is important to you?
Susan Whitcomb in Job Search Magic suggests that you also explore "fulfillment" and "identity" by asking yourself the following questions:
* Why do you work? What is your purpose in working? What difference do you want to make?
* What kind of legacy do you want to leave?
* What gifts or strengths do you bring to the workplace?
* Who do you become when you do what you love to do?
* How do you define yourself?
* Who are your role models? What do you admire about the work they do?
2. Your Interests and Passions
Finding things you are interested in and passionate about most likely will lead to enjoyment and success.
How can you find what you are passionate about and what interests you the most? Reflect on your past and the things to which you have been drawn. When you think about your past, which types of activities attract you? What activities do you love to do, and would do even if you were not getting paid, or getting paid very little?
* Do you enjoy working with people, data, or things?
* Are you more of a thinker or do you prefer some form of creative expression?
* Do you prefer to build and create organizations? Are you more of a doer?
* Do you like to organize things?
* Are you drawn to helping others?
* Are there any particular job titles, or general job categories that categorize the work you like to do?
* Are there any particular industries that attract you?
3. Your Favorite Skills
Skills are important in terms of identifying the right work functionthe tasks and position(s) at which you can be successful and be the happiest.
It is important to make a distinction between the skills you are good at and those you are good at AND from which you get the greatest satisfaction.
The skills that give you the greatest satisfaction, called "motivated skills," typically lead to career satisfaction and should be central to your focus in career transition.
