Book Summary

Published in January 2003, this book is a must read for anyone considering or thrown into a job change. Many people want to alter their current work situation, but don’t know how. Jansen addresses today’s work-dissatisfaction epidemic and uses career assessment quizzes and personality exercises to help readers assess their present job, discover the type of work for which they’re best suited, and make change happen. Filled with real-life examples and a useful resource section, Jansen’s guide is an evaluable instrument for implementing career change.

Book Review

As I stand on the precipice of retirement I find myself anxious about the impending changes in my life. I have set a goal to retire at the age of 53. Of course retirements is the wrong word, it is really retirement from the employed status to volunteer or self-employed status. I have a lot of enthusiasm to share and energy to share and I am excited about the idea of spending my time and energy helping others versus growing profit for a corporation. Don’t get me wrong, I am a shareholder and I want the company profits to continue to grow, but it is time to let the younger generation sweat bullets to achieve that.
I will use this blog to share what I have discovered or rediscovered about myself through this book. So far I have confirmed that I anticipate and handle change well, I even create and respond well to change.

My key attitudes

I have high self confidence and self knowledge, I am very goal oriented. I maintain positive motivation and invest in personal development. One area where I would like to improve is managing relationships. I can get so focused on delivering on commitments I don’t invest in nurturing relationships.

Personality Preferences

I am an extrovert, and idealist, I take action more on emotional or values than on facts, I am spontaneous like open ended goals and I am assertive.

My top ten list of Values (in no particular order)

Achievement results driven, Excitement, Financial security, Friendships and belonging, Leadership and self expression, Learning and creativity, Personal development, Respect and integrity. I am struggling with a value that has driven me my whole life which is stability. I am trying to release that value or increase my confidence that I have arrived and can take more risks.