Exploring employment options and making decisions about your career are some of the most important things to consider as you are planning your future.
Knowing your employment options allows you to make rational, informed decisions, should an employment situation no longer meet your needs. The keys will be:
- Flexibility and creativity to make adaptations in the way you do your job.
- Willingness to seek accommodations.
- Interest in changing the type of work you do, if necessary.
- Openness to taking on the challenge of training or education.
No one is saying that these decisions will come easy. Work defines our self-image. When asked about ourselves, we often say, “I am a carpenter, teacher, accountant, etc.” Work is a big part of defining who we are, our role in our community, and how others view us.
When it comes down to it, the decision is yours and yours alone — you know yourself and your situation better than anyone else. Be clear with yourself about what your options are and take the path that works best for you. Be informed about your ADA rights and workplace accommodations, deciding to work or not, employment strategies, symptom management on the job, and information to share with your employer.
Resources for Career Changers
Making a career change can be a complex and time consuming process. Where to start, what to do, what career is right for you? However it can be time well spent if the outcome leads to finding rewarding work. For most people there is more than one career alternative so choices and priorities must be based on an assessment of skills, interests, values, strengths, and opportunities. You need to take time to look at who you are, what you’ve done, where you’d like to go and what you need to do to get there.
Learn more about self assessments and how can they help.
Explore the following sites for a collection of self assessments to help you identify your interests, discover your personality, determine your personal and work values, and identify your transferable skills.
- Self-Assessment: The Riley Guide
- Online Career Assessment Review for Job-Seekers
- CareerOneStop - Skills Center
To read more about various employment issues, visit the employment page on our multimedia library.