Finding a Career: What Kind of Worker Are You?

By Noel Rozny

Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment Jobs

We all know that liking what you do for a living is one of the most important factors in choosing a career. But in addition to liking what you do, you have to like when and how you do it.

If, for example, you're thinking about becoming a lawyer or a doctor, but you hate working weekends and long hours, then these may not be the careers for you. But that doesn't mean there aren't other great opportunities in the criminal justice and healthcare fields that will be a better fit for the lifestyle you want to live.

They key is to figure out what kind of worker you are before you end up in a career that makes you want to call in sick every day. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out which career and industry is right for you.

If You're a Nine-to-Fiver...
You're ready, willing and able to give 120% the minute you walk in the door in the morning, and are even willing to work late when a big project requires extra hours. But in general, you like to have your weekends free to spend with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and explore other interests.

Careers to Consider: Banking, Healthcare Management, Business Management, Human Resources

If You're a Night Owl...
You hate getting up in the morning, and would much rather have your daytimes free to shop when the grocery store is empty, enjoy a mid-morning coffee at Starbucks, or catch up on One Life to Live. You're creative juices and inspiration really get going after the sun goes down.

Careers to Consider: Chef, Hotel Manager, Law Enforcement, Food Service Manager

If You're an Early Riser...
Getting up before everyone else, including the sun, is your favorite way to start the day. You're most productive in the first hours of the morning, and enjoy the solitude that comes with getting an early start.

Careers to Consider: Pastry Chef, Florist, Home Healthcare Nurse

If You're a Volunteer...
Throughout your life, you've enjoyed volunteering. You love helping those in need, and won't be happy in a career unless is contributes to the greater good. The people you're working with and their success is what is most important to you.

Careers to Consider: Non-Profit Fundraiser, Social Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor, Teacher

If You're a People Person...
You're a typical extrovert: you love working with a team of colleagues to brainstorm, develop ideas, and solve problems. You find yourself energized and inspired by your teammates and their innovations, and you also love working with clients and helping them find solutions to their problems

Careers to Consider: Marketing, Public Relations, Event Planner, Sales Manager

If You're an Introvert...
You do best when you can take a project and run with it. You like a little solitude to help you focus on the task at hand and put your analytical, problem-solving skills to work. You get the most rewards from pouring yourself into your job and emerging with the problem solved or the question answered.

Careers to Consider: Engineer, Computer Programmer, Medical Lab Technician, Database Administrator, Graphic Designer

If You're a Mover and a Shaker...
The idea of working at a desk or in a cubicle all day makes your skin crawl. You need a career that lets you be active and on your feet, where you can interact with different people every day. You prefer a job that embraces your physicality and lets you work with your hands.