I recently watched “The Tourist,” on DVD, a mystery/drama starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. I loved the film and its intriguing storyline; however, I admit that I would never have predicted the surprise ending. Perhaps the clues were there, but I wasn’t perceptive enough to spot them along the way. 

As I thought about the film and my ability to think like a sleuth, I realized that while I enjoy a good mystery, I’m actually most interested in solving the mystery. Growing up, I was a devoted reader of Nancy Drew mysteries, and as an adult, I’ve read my share of Agatha Christie novels. I admit that mysteries are hard for me to put down because I’m anxious to uncover the clues to figure out “whodunit” along with the famous detectives.

As a career management coach, I’ve realized the similarities between the solving of a mystery and the process of selecting a career path: it’s all about the CLUES! So I recommend that you give thoughtful consideration to the following clues as you’re considering a new career direction:

Career Interests

What you are you doing when you are so absorbed that you lose all track of time?  When we’re involved in something that we love, we tend to forget about time.  Think about when you’ve found yourself in “the zone” or in “flow?”  Whatever you’re doing comes easily to you, and it’s the kind of activity that so engages you that you’d do it for free. 

Lessons learned

Make a list of your past jobs and create two columns: “What I liked” and “What I disliked.” Now complete the chart as thorughly as possible for your past several positions. What patterns do you see that will help you know what you want to carry forward into your next position, and what you never want to do again!

Uniqueness

Your personality preferences offer helpful insights into “best fit” careers. If you aren’t aware of your personality type and how it impacts career direction, I highly recommend  “Do What You Are:  Discover thePerfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type” (Tieger & Barron), based on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator.  Of special value:  for each of the 16 types, the authors provide a list of the top ten elements that need to be present for career satisfaction.

Environment

In what type of company culture do you thrive:  a large, established global organization or a small start up?  Do you prefer working at an office or are you attracted to the flexibilty of working from home?  What type of collegues to you enjoy working with?  Do you prefer a formal business environment or one that is more casual and laid back?  A mismatch in company culture can lead to stress and disatisfaction no matter how much you enjoy the actual work. 

Skills

What about you as a professional makes you unique or special?  What do you do better than others?  What have you been consistently affirmed for in your professional career?  If you struggle with any of these questions, you may find it helpful to talk with colleagues about what they view as your special skills and attributes.   In addition, take a look at your performance reviews from your current and prior jobs (you did keep them, didn’t you?) and look for themes, areas in whick you’ve consistently been recognized for excellence. 

Take some time to thoughtfully consider your responses to the questions in these five areas.  And remember…it’s all about the clues!