The Career Doctor™

by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez

Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers? Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of your own, use the anonymous form, and she might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here. Contact information is here.

HOW DO I FIND WHAT'S BEST FOR ME?

Dear Career Doctor:

I have spent my life in career moves that I fell into, taking what was available, instead of what I wanted. Now at almost 45 years of age, when I ask what I want to do with my life, I cannot answer the question. I feel stuck, trapped, and have no idea what I would be great at.

I am envious of my wife who loves her work as an accountant. I, on the other hand, feel like a mishmash. I am the Director of Public Health for a Municipality. I am college educated with a degree in Business Management, but I don't even know why I picked that.

I envy people who say this is what I love. I feel lost. How do I find what's best for me?

David

Dear David:

This is exactly what career counselors help people discover! Here's what I do with clients, and I think it's pretty typical of my profession: I meet people for a session to get to know them. Then I send them back home with some tests and exercises to assess their vocational interests and what has made them successful in the past. We get together and go over the results, acting like detectives, trying to new directions that are practical and possible. The good news is that usually in a few sessions, the right direction emerges from the "mishmash."

Your degree and experience can support a wide variety of career changes. The question, as you say, is what would make you feel happier -- and more in control of your choices.

You could call any college or university in your area and see if their career counselors work with people in the community. If not, contact the American Psychological Association in Washington, DC or the National Board of Certified Counselors and ask for vocational psychologists or career counselors nearby.

The Career Doctor

The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.

Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.