ShareThisBy MARVIN WALBERG
Scripps Howard News Service
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Dear Mr. Walberg:
I'm considering changing jobs, but need to find my best match. My current employer is great -- good benefits, lots of vacation time, plenty of independence -- but I'm significantly underpaid by market standards and I'm no longer using my degree. Four years ago, after completing my master's in psychology, I was hired into this job from a temp position. I'm now managing 15 people and doing well, but feel unappreciated and I'm not sure where to go.
I've seen a couple of headhunters, but they are having a difficult time narrowing things down for me. What do you suggest for helping me figure out my best match?
Confused in NYC
Dear Confused:
It's said that if you do what you love to do, you'll do it best and be most productive. And, if you are productive, your income should reflect that productivity.
Headhunters may not be your best career counselors. Their job is to match skills and experiences required for jobs requested from client-companies who pay for their services.
Certainly one approach is to meet with a certified career counselor. If you go that route, choose someone whom you feel relates to your situation; someone you feel you can put trust in; and, of course, someone whom you can afford.
In the meantime, you can do some work for yourself. Focus on what aspects of your work you truly enjoy every day, and then ask yourself why. Do the same exercise with any volunteer work that you do, and hobbies. Concentrate on those things in life that you do well and truly enjoy doing, then try to transfer those skill sets to jobs that might be out there.
Many publications can help you. Seek advice from a reference librarian in a "Careers" section, and look for other related publications in any quality bookstore. A new book that could help is "150 Best Jobs for Your Skills," by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, published by Jist Works (www.jist.com).
(Marvin Walberg is a job-search consultant. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 43056, Birmingham, AL, 35243. E-mail him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net.)
