Perfect job not essential for a satisfying career

By Jahna Jacobson
Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal

You might be looking for your dream job, but finding it may not involve hitting the street with resumŽ in hand.

In these uncertain economic times, experts advise learning to love the work you do rather than jumping into a new field.

"People are actually more satisfied in their work when the rest of their life is in balance," said Maria Halpin, a Pensacola, Fla., career counselor. "Even if it's a career that isn't their dream job, if the other areas of their life are in balance — physically, mentally, spiritually — they can handle working eight hours a day. ...

"It's important for people to realize that work doesn't bring complete satisfaction and happiness," she said.

Six months ago, Michelle Murray never would have pictured herself in her current career.

Before Hurricane Ivan struck, Murray was working in food and beverage service at Hidden Creek Golf Course in Zephyrhills, Fla. After the storm, she and her co-workers were advised to apply for unemployment because it would be some time before the course could reopen.

Murray signed up for a temporary help program that placed workers who had lost jobs because of the storm into jobs created by the storm. She began working at Federal Emergency Management Agency centers, helping other unemployed workers find positions, and parlayed that experience into a new role as a job developer at a career center.

Now, she spends her days counseling people who are making transitions similar to hers.

"I have just always wanted to do something that is giving back, and I feel that's what this job does," she said. "I wouldn't have pictured it six months ago, but it's something I'm really enjoying and plan to continue doing."

For those just graduating from high school or college — or others who are just beginning their first real job search — even finding a starting place can be tough.

"Attending job fairs is always a good idea," said Ken Shugart, director of student job services at Pensacola Junior College.

"Even if you don't know what you want to do, you can go in and talk to employers and find out: What kind of skills do I need to do this kind of work? What is it like? What are the pluses and minuses?"

Job shadowing is another way to get an inside look at a potential career. Once you have found a field you are interested in and have invested time in education, taking on an internship can help.

Workers in their 40s and 50s face a whole new set of challenges. Younger workers may be nipping at their heels. Some workers may wonder if they should have taken more chances.

"For those I see in midlife who are dissatisfied with work but have a career and may be very invested in it and can't leave, I suggest, 'Let's look at your free time, and how you can use it to meet your needs and satisfy the needs that are not met at work,' " Halpin said.

Keeping up with technology and trends also is important.

Brushing up on skills doesn't have to be a major commitment akin to going back to college.

If a career change seems best for you, Ed LeBrun, executive director of Workforce Escarosa, suggests that you look at the skills you have and see where they may be applicable in a new field, then assess what additional training you may need to fill in the gaps.