Guest Author - Cate Brizzell

Do you love what you do? If not, do you know what you'd love to do? Or, are you just beginning a career, and wondering whether you've made the right decision?

You're probably heard the phrase: "Do what you love, and the money will follow." You've probably worked with someone who hates their job and is therefore miserable to be around. You're probably one of the millions of Americans who dreads Monday mornings, heading off to a job you never thought you'd have and one you'd probably change if you could.

Considering a typical person will work somewhere around 45 years of their lives in one or perhaps two occupations, it makes sense to spend some time thinking about what it is you love to do. Is it your occupation or your job you'd like to change?

Before you think this has nothing to do with home finance, consider that the happier you are in your job, the more likely you are to do well, get promoted and increase your salary. And that will definitely improve your home finance situation!

Unfortunately, when I was making career decisions, it was all about guessing. I took the advice of a family member and entered a career that paid reasonably well, so I could pay down student loans. It wasn't what I wanted to do and I didn't enjoy it. If had followed my dream, I'd be a lot happier now and would be in much better financial shape.

But it's never too late. Realizing I made a mistake, and finally realizing what I should have done, I made some life changes that have drastically improved my outlook on life, general happiness and family morale. You can do the same.

One of the best tools I've found for analyzing personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and then matching them up to specific occupations and jobs, is Dan Miller's "48 Days To The Work You Love". It's easy to say "figure out what you love to do and then do it", but it's a lot harder to actually make that happen, especially if you're already entrenched in an occupation or job you dislike.

You can work through Miller's book and workbook while you're at your day job now, gradually getting yourself to the point where you can switch over to what it is you like to do best. There are other similar books and workbooks (most are available at local libraries) that will also get you started down the right path when it comes to changing careers.

At the very least, these resources will get you thinking.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Dare to be different and recognize the need for change. Then dare to make the change!

You can get more information about Dan Miller's "48 Days" products, including a personality report, here:

http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/?af=726280