Have you ever wondered what it would be like to change jobs after you have spent years dedicating every fibre of your being to one organisation, only to realise that you were never really fulfilled there?

That happens to many people. However few dare to make the change because fulfilling their career potential means facing the unknown, starting again, losing status, benefits or the comfort level afforded them by their current job.

Discover what career matches your personality

Individuals often ignore their personality when considering what would keep them stimulated long term as a career. If your personality doesn't fit the job, you can end up making yourself and those in your work environment quite miserable.

Are you a 'people person' considering a job that will keep you isolated for long hours? Or are you an introvert who would struggle with saying honestly, "it's a pleasure serving you"?

What does your personality say about the career options that you should pursue?

Seeking jobs that match your ability

There are two extremes of which one has to be careful. One is seeking a job for which you are overqualified or far more experienced than the job demands. The other is seeking a job in which you are not realistically ever going to meet the mark (you have not passed accounts 101 after the 15th try but insist that you want to be a chartered accountant).

Both extremes will leave you unhappy and unfulfilled. You may need assistance in identifying your specific general abilities and strengths.

Think about your interests

Interests are important, if even as a starting point. The hesitation I have with heavily promoting interests concerns when persons are in secondary school, or even early college, and are uncertain about which career they should pursue.

These individuals may have fleeting interests which are dependent on current fads and/or peer and parent pressure to pursue a certain career path for which they are not suited. Interests, though useful, should be considered very guardedly, as they can change due to time and exposure.

Consider Your Learning and Planning Style

For every new job you start, you will have to learn the 'ropes'. Some jobs may naturally require a particular learning or planning style. You will need to understand your own. Do you plan from a global perspective (holistically), or are you more detail-oriented in planning? Do you need to go through formal training for any new procedure or are you a hands-on learner?

Lisa-Anne Knowles is the president of QOHC, a people and business development company. For more information on psychometric assessments or people and business development services, you may email QOHC at admin@qohconsultancy.com, call 620-9056 or 791-8188, or visit their office at 59 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5.