High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Why Are We Bad at Choosing the Right Job?

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• Why Are We So Bad at Choosing the Right Job?: "When it comes to jobs and careers, it is really a case of 'better the devil you know.' You can put people in meaningless roles and under bad managers, and they will still be reluctant to try something else."

• How a Classroom Mindset Can Help You Achieve Lasting Change: "If you want to experience significant, lasting change in your life, try mapping out your goal as if you were going back to school to achieve it."

• 9 Ways to Handle Job-Related Stress: "It didn't take long before people realized that simultaneously looking through their desk drawer, speaking on the phone and answering email caused their speed and accuracy (not to mention sanity) to plummet."

• 8 Tips for Developing Collaborative Leadership at Work: "This is leadership that not only gradually dissolves into something more sociable and harmonious, but also more efficient, creative and ready for whatever comes next."
• 9 Phrases to Avoid in Conversation:"While you may be indifferent to the question, your opinion is important to the person asking (or else he wouldn’t have asked you in the first place)."

Navigating Permanent Detours on Your Life's Career Road

Would you take career advice from a 10-year-old?

How about a 14-year-old?

An 18-year-old?

These questions may sound strange, but they are entirely appropriate when considering how we treat and navigate our careers. It's not uncommon to hear someone say that she's wanted to be a doctor since she was eight or a veterinarian since she was six. That elementary school child's dream then influences her adult professional life. But what happens when she decides that she doesn't want to follow that advice anymore? Or she questions whether it was good advice in the first place?

It takes a lot of courage to say "this career isn't for me," the amount of courage increasing the farther one has progressed into it. Not only is there a sense of personal failure associated with it but, depending on the profession, one could experience extreme blow-back from family and friends. For those struggling in a career that they made be very good at but they don't feel is right for them, keep these in mind:

It's okay to change: Whether you are a doctor, a saleswoman, an engineer, or an administrative assistant, if your career is no longer resonating with your values or who you want to be as a person, it is okay to find something new. Give yourself permission to believe this.

Your loved ones will act how they are supposed to act: When you get to the point that you are able to vocalize your intent to leave your career, those that care about you the most could react with everything from a "what the heck are you thinking?!" to a "you go get 'em, tiger!" Both reactions are exactly what they are: reactions. Whether the world is for you or against you, maintain the perspective that this decision is for you and will lead to a more satisfying life.

You may need help: If you know that your current career isn't for you but you don't know what to "do," don't hesitate to get some help. A career coach is a great resource to help you get in touch with the values you want to connect with in your career. Assessments such as the MBTI or the Strong Interest Inventory can give some guidance on how your natural interests and preferences align with vocations that are worth exploring.

Career changes can be difficult, but not as difficult as laboring in a field that you do not love. If you fall into this category, my thoughts are with you as you self-assess and explore what makes a fulfilling life for you. Your career road is for you and you alone to drive. You must enjoy the ride.

It’s Not all About the Money – 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Job

Have you or someone you know ever had an unpleasant job – the kind of job where it is very hard to get out of bed in the morning? I once had a job where I literally sat in my car dreading the day and putting off going into the building until the last possible minute. When I think back to that job, I realize that I did not evaluate my choice of jobs very carefully or realistically. Often times, we get so caught up in the job hunt and landing a position that we forget to slow down and ask ourselves “Do I really want this job?” Here are some factors – in addition to salary – that you should always consider.

Work Environment
If you consider that you spend at least a third of the hours of every weekday at work – often more time than you spend with friends or family on any given day – then you might as well spend this time enjoying yourself. Consider the company culture; is it formal and focused on rules or is it more laid back and open. Assess your personality and identify what is important to your job satisfaction to determine where you will best fit.

Quality of Life
Some people are willing to trade their free time, family time, or even sleep for a high-paying job. It is important to periodically assess your value structure to determine where your priorities lie. For me, my value structure and priorities changed when I started a family. There is no right or wrong in this situation, only what works best for what is most important for you. You must choose a career path that is aligned with your values and ideals.

Opportunity
You need to assess the future growth of the position and determine your opportunity for advancement. Find out if the company offers education and training opportunities, if they value promoting from within, and how the position aligns with your long-term goals.

Constant Challenge and Variety
This factor may be more important to some than others. Evaluate how you feel about change and variety before you start interviewing. If you like predictability and routine, there are some jobs that are definitely not for you. The opposite is true if you become easily bored or distracted when doing repetitive tasks.

Job Security
The average worker is likely to change jobs at least ten times in their adult life according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, you should still evaluate the company’s stability and their reputation in the industry prior to accepting a position.

Benefits
Some sources say that benefits can account for as much as 30% of your compensation package. Find out how much medical, dental, and vision coverage the company offers and how much your contribution will be to the plans. A higher salary may soon dwindle when you compare benefits packages – especially if you have a family. I have two children, the first one cost $10 to give birth to and the second one cost more than $1,500 due to changes in benefit plans. Consider other non-traditional benefits such as flexible work hours, a reduced commute, employee discounts, or a car allowance.