Job security is a thing of the past. In a time when companies are laying off thousands of people and 60 to 80 percent of employees are not satisfied with their jobs, many people are wondering if there is such a thing as job security and whether they can actually enjoy their work. After all, if you spend most of your waking hours doing something, you at least should like it. According to Lee Ellis and Larry Burkett, you can find the career that fits you. You can enjoy your work. It's just a matter of assessing who you are, knowing your strengths and interests, and discovering the kind of work that will utilize those talents. In this new edition of Finding the Career That Fits You , you will discover the person God made you to be through insightful looks at your personality, skills, life values, and vocational interests. All statistics and resources have been updated and the latest information on using the Internet in your job search has been added. Ellis and Burkett will walk you through the job-search process and give you the confidence you need to start or change your career—and your life! LARRY BURKETT (1939-2003) was a well-known authority on business and personal finance. He wrote more than seventy books, including non-fiction bestsellers like Family Financial Workbook, Debt-Free Living , and The World’s Easiest Guide to Finances . He also had a worldwide radio ministry. Larry founded Christian Financial Concepts and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crown Financial Ministries®. He is survived by his wife, Judy, four grown children and nine grandchildren. LEE ELLIS is the President and Founder of Leadership Freedom and FreedomStar Media. He serves as a management consultant in leadership development and team-building. Lee is the author of a number of books, including Finding the Career that Fits You, Your Career in Changing Times , and Leading Talent Leading Teams . He and his wife, Mary, reside in Dawsonville, Georgia. They have four children and six grandchildren. Finding the Career That Fits You The Companion Workbook to Your Career in Changing Times By Larry Burkett, Lee Ellis Moody Publishers Copyright © 1998 Larry Burkett and Lee Ellis All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8024-2522-5 Contents Introduction, 1. Facing Career and Workplace Issues, 2. Gaining a Biblical View of Work, 3. Understanding Your Personality Strengths, 4. Understanding Your Skills, 5. Understanding Your Work Priorities, 6. Understanding Your Vocational Interests, 7. Putting Your Pattern Together, 8. Making Career Decisions, 9. Developing Your Résumé, 10. Organizing for the Job Search, 11. Managing Your Finances, 12. Starting a Business, Resources, CHAPTER 1 FACING CAREER AND WORKPLACE ISSUES Since you are reading this workbook, it's likely that either you or someone close to you is facing a career problem or decision. You're not alone. Career and work issues are having a major impact on the lives of millions of Americans today. Through our experience in administering a career assessment to over 50,000 individuals, we see that the vast majority of career problems fall into one of four categories: job mismatch, no job, returning to the workforce, or young people with no direction. You probably will be able to identify with at least one of these groups. No matter which group you're in, this workbook can help you work through your career issues. WHICH CAREER PROBLEM FITS YOUR SITUATION 1. Job mismatch—unenthusiastic, bored, stressed out A major issue with adults continues to be job and career dissatisfaction. There are millions of people who don't like what they are doing at work. In fact, according to a recent poll, 50 percent of those surveyed said that if they were starting over they would choose a different career. When experiencing a lack of fulfillment and corresponding low motivation toward work, many people realize they did not make a good career choice. They chose a field of work that was not a good match. Many are looking for a way to find out what their talents are and what occupations might fit. We've seen some who are stressed, even to the point of not wanting to go to work in the morning. For some, the problem of job stress is o severe they are having health problems. One person put it this way: "I make a living at my job, but I don't look forward to going to work everyday. In fact I usually dread it, and when I'm there I look forward to five o'clock so I can go home. I wish I could make a career transition." A person in sales said: "I can make a big sale on Friday, but I hate my job so much that I don't look forward to going to work on Monday." 2. Don't have a job—have been laid off or downsized Mergers and cutbacks have added millions to the ranks of the unemployed—some for the first time. "I had been with this company for 15 years and was the marketing manager for the Northeast region. Our company was bought out in a merger, and I was repl