It's a fun question to ask small children: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" You get some great answers, some funny ones. As a youngster in Buffalo, New York, I told my parents I wanted to be a 'plow girl.' Snow plows with their huge front blades that sent even the largest drifts billowing to the side were just plain awesome.

But as the years tick by, the question takes on new meaning. About the time we reach high school we start to hear the question asked with much greater anticipation. And often the teen shuffles his or her feet, drops his eyes downward and murmurs "I don't know." Some have great dreams of playing pro ball, being doctors, teachers, nurses; some follow through, some do not. When I was completing my internship in counseling in the career department of a Christian college, it was amazing how many juniors and even seniors were uncertain of their vocational calling. With a rapidly changing technological world, time honored careers evaporate and a forty or fifty year old can suddenly be seeking new career identity.

Below are four categories to consider as you begin to process a vocational or career plan.

Interests
What do you like to do? What kinds of things hold your attention? What sort of work environment sounds like fun - sounds awful? What sort of courses did you like when you were in school?

Values
This area represents things and ideas that are important to us. Many of us have a strong sense of a calling by God to a certain vocation. What was your family of origin's thoughts about different careers? Is there a history of certain kinds of careers in your family? Is it important to you to have money, a house, a fancy car? Do you want to make a difference in the world? What are your thoughts regarding honesty and moral character?

Skills
What we already know how to do - or have an aptitude to learn easily and enjoy. Are you good at math? Can you bake a cake? Can you sink a three point basket from midcourt? Do you have computer knowledge? What kind of experiences have you had. Time spent as a volunteer and as a parent raising children is also chock full of skills.

Personality
Do you get revitalized by going to parties, hanging with friends, or would you prefer to curl up with a good book or DVD on the couch? Do you tend to step up and lead? Are you that can be depended on to come through in a pinch?

My favorite question: If you could do anything in the world and money and education were no object, what would you be?

Contact me at pkeeley@pegkweb.com and explore your possibilities!

©2010 PKeeley, Make A Door
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