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== Consider Your Career ==

Our careers take up a large part of our lives.  Not only do they provide us with money in exchange for our time, skills, and services, but they also are a place where we spend a large part of our time.  Being in a career that is a good fit for you can be one of the most positive things you do for your life, and vice-versa, being in a career that is a bad fit, can be something that makes your life miserable. 

At the time you are looking for employment you may want to consider your career as a whole. Are you on the right path for you? If you want a change now might be a good time to make it.
Like any major decision, deciding a career involves a lot of fact finding. Fortunately, some of the best informational resources are easily accessible. You should assess career guidance materials carefully. Information that seems out of date or glamorizes an occupation, overstates its earnings or exaggerates the demand for workers, for example, should be evaluated with skepticism. Gathering as much information as possible will help you make a more informed decision.  A [[W:Decision Matrix|decision matrix]] may be a useful tool to help make your decision.  You may also wish to pursue more than one career option at the same time.

== Some Factors to Consider ==
* Income
* Health Benefits
* Retirement Benefits
* Other Benefits
* Personal Satisfaction
* Style of Work
* Stress Load

== Resources that may Help while Researching Career Options ==

=== Ask People You Know about Careers===

One of the best resources can be those you know, such as friends and family. They may answer some questions about a particular occupation or put you in touch with someone who has some experience in the field. This personal networking can be invaluable in evaluating an occupation or an employer. These people will be able to tell you about their specific duties and training, as well as what they did or did not like about a job. People who have worked in an occupation locally also may be able to recommend and get you in touch with specific employers.  These same people can also help you get a job later through networking.

=== School career planning and placement offices ===
Many high schools and colleges have placement offices that have materials about career options.  Many also have counselors that you can talk with about potential careers.

=== Employers ===
Through your library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Employer Web sites often contain lists of job openings. Web sites and business directories can provide you with information on how to apply for a position or whom to contact. Even if no open positions are posted, do not hesitate to contact the employer and the relevant department. Set up an interview with someone working in the same area in which you wish to work. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. Not only can this be invaluable in helping you to decide whether this career path is right for you, it also might open up doors for getting a job with the company in the future, or they may be able to put you in contact with other people who might hire you. Make sure to send them your resume and a cover letter. If you are able to obtain an interview, be sure to send a thank-you note. Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.

=== Internet Resources ===
While the Internet contains a lot of resources to help you get a specific job, it also contains a lot of good information that can help you choose a general career path.

* www.calmis.ca.gov/codefinder/codefinder.htm
* www.payscale.com 
* www.salary.com
* online.onetcenter.org
* www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
* www.bls.gov 
* www.indeed.com 
* www.CACareerZone.org


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