The career search from a psychologist's perspective

What is a career search?

the word career derives from the french word for path

While most people think about their career search only in terms of their occupation, as a psychologist, I like the broader, original meaning. The word "career" derives from the French word, carrière, meaning a road, racecourse or path. I encourage you to think about your career search as your search for the path you will follow throughout your life. At some level, isn't this is what life is all about? Think about all of those decisions and choices you make in life--are you making them consciously and do they reflect YOU? Your career choices should reflect your personality, passions, values, interests, abilities, skills and culture.

In other words, the career search is really about finding a way to live your life in a way that reflects the person you are.

Naturally, many of you out there on the Web who clicked your way here are looking for a job, a new position or a more satisfying occupation. This website is designed for a wide audience from those in high school just beginning to plan their career path to those who are already feeling burnt out and are feeling the need for a career change.

Your career search can invoke many emotions from excitement to intense anxiety. Your time table might feel urgent or more relaxed. Whoever you are and wherever you might be in your career, I hope you will find something on these pages that will help you find the best possible, next stretch on your career path.

Keep in mind that you are already engaged in a career in the broad sense, because you are walking this road of life. Metaphorically speaking, you are on a long expedition searching for the best route to take. As you think about yourself right now, do you like the trail you are on? Is it tough going and treacherous? Is it foggy and unclear? Does it feel like there is nowhere you can go? All of these and more are possibilities. Feel free to consider this website as a source of new ways to approach your journey as well as a source of new tools to find your way.

As this site develops you will find new sections devoted to:

The transition from college to work
Job Burnout
Life problems and whom to turn to

Information on career tests
Knowing yourself is a key component of the career search, career tests can provide tons of information to better inform your search.

High School Career Planning
Career planning in high school? You might not be ready, but your early decisions can significantly impact your career. Here’s why….

Career Change Advice
Career change can be stressful but they can also lead to new opportunities.