Why a Career Change? The dirty little secret no one mentions

If money, power, or prestige alone don't make you happy, what does? The key lies in understanding your unique internal (intrinsic) reward system that will lead you to your most fulfilled life. If you're good at what you do, you'll compete more effectively in the marketplace. If you enjoy what you do, you'll bring an appetite and enthusiasm to your work that usually pays off.

Having a career that fits feels better. It's as simple as that. When you're young, however, several things can obscure how badly a career fits: new experiences and the fun of trying your wings provide excitement, helped by powerful hormones that lend a rock-and-roll edge to life. When the novelty and chemicals taper off, however, you're left to your own devices. Watch the over-thirty crowd on their way to work. See how many look resigned, bored, angry, stressed, or sad. Contrast that with people whose eyes sparkle with pleasure, satisfaction, and interest in their work.

Speaking of eyes sparkling, being satisfied and fulfilled makes you more attractive to others. People love to be around people who glow with life, joy, and self-expression, whether or not they were born beautiful.

We all have innate abilities that want expression in the world. When we express them, we are most likely to make a contribution. If we do not express them, we sense something missing. All creatures except human beings express themselves naturally. We human beings are the only critters who are smart enough to talk ourselves into the wrong careers.

Self-esteem is the reputation you have with yourself. Self-esteem never hovers. It is either rising or falling, based mostly on what is occurring in your life. It usually rises when you win, when you are satisfied with yourself and the progress you are making in your life. It falls when you lose regularly, when life is a constant struggle, when your confidence is eroded, when you feel no connection between you and the world around you. Your work profoundly influences your self-esteem. People who change paths in midcareer nearly always report that their ill-fitting careers had damaged their self-esteem. Create a future you will be proud of, and your self-esteem will take care of itself.

Many scientific studies show that the wrong career can actually make you seriously ill. People under significant stress at work have more than double the average number of colds. Their compromised immune systems cannot defend against illnesses, even life-threatening ones such as cancer. New research also shows that a lot of stress at work makes people age faster and die younger. People whose work uses their talents fully live longer and enjoy better health and, as a result, more vitality and well-being in all aspects of their lives.

Healthy people choose friends who make them feel good about themselves. They want friends who lift their spirits, who are fun to be around. Imagine, on the other hand, what it's like to live with someone who comes home exhausted and unhappy at the end of each workday. To enjoy great relationships, live a great life.

It takes an individual who wants to make a change in his or her life - usually less than 20% of the people who read this blog - to truly commit to the career change process. So tell me: what's stopped you from committing to a career change?

Check out Rockport Institute's Career Change programs. If your goal is to understand what careers fit you naturally, take a look at and the Rockport Institute's Natural Talents and Career Aptitudes Testing Programs Our career design books (see below) are available in most larger bookstores and at your online bookseller.

"I am heartened by your efforts to empower people to lead productive and fulfilling lives. As you well understand, knowing one's own gifts and talents is a powerful tool for finding work that is challenging and rewarding. (This) will ultimately depend on the dedication and commitment of individuals who, like you, care deeply about helping people reach their creative and productive potential. I am delighted to know of your...coaching programs. This represents the kind of effort our country needs." -President Bill Clinton

"A brilliant, passionately written book! If you want to have a career you will love, this is the one to read. I highly recommend it." -JACK CANFIELD Co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul writing about our book In reference to our book, The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success.