Career Change and Tests.

How do you know when you've worn out your welcome? When is it time to change careers, to turn from the road and rest for the night - and then never get back on the highway.

There are a number of career tests that a person can take that help to determine a path to explore that you'll feel a bit comfortable with. One of the oldest career inventory tests or interest tests is the Myers-Briggs Inventory. You can take abbreviated tests for free online, but the entire test will cost you. Take a look at http://www.personalitypathways.com/ to get a good explanation of how the test works. I first took this test when I started college and discovered that I was an INFP which translated into having similar interests as librarians, teachers, counselors and writers. I ended in the health insurance field where I enjoyed the feeling of "helping" people by providing useful information that made a positive impact in their lives. I didn't enjoy the sales aspect; however and found it difficult to overcome objections to my tepid sales pitches. A useful discovery for me has been that I may not pursue one of the recommended careers for my personality type, but I can use the strengths of my type in the job that I am working in. For example, an INFP is often described as "insightful" and very good at "understanding people". These traits would be helpful in a customer service position in anticipating and meeting the needs of a customer.

It's difficult to say when and if the time has arrived to make a career change, but in the exploration that comes with this question lies new discoveries to be made about yourself.