In this rapidly changing economy almost all Americans (and a good part of the globe) are experiencing career changes of some sort. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has given up attempting to estimate the number of times people change careers, since it is almost impossible to quantify. The last documented statistic was for 1982, when it was estimated that 36% of all Americans were in the midst of a career change of some sort and that between the ages of 18 and 38 people would hold an average of 10 jobs.

If you find yourself asking ‘What career is right for me’ you are not alone as this continues to be asked time and time again over the last 30+ years. Can you imagine what the current statistic might look like? Clearly a lot more than 36% of the population is looking into career changes!

Experts in the employment arena and currently stating that almost every single American is going through career changes of some sort because of the ever-changing global economy. It seems when we were younger, transitions were events’ with a beginning, a middle and an end.

These days we’re always experiencing change. Change is not only constant, it is a way of life and the more adaptable and accepting we are of this the more enjoyment we will get in our lives and careers.

The positive news is that changes – whether these transitions are having a new family member enter your life, going off to a University, or experiencing a career change – are all good steps to take in order to look further into who you are and maybe even leave behind you the parts of yourself that no longer tend to serve you going forward. For example, many Americans have recently lost their jobs that in some way may have defined you. If you are out in the job market, you might find it to be a great time to start soul searching as well – figure out what would make you more happy than your last job.

So here are some questions to ask yourself as you explore this possibility:

1. What did I enjoy most about my old job?

2. What were the most difficult parts of my old job and would I want to avoid them going forward?

3. Did I use and develop my talents at my old job?

4. What am I passionate about?

5. Based on this inquiry, what career is right for me? And what would be the elements of my dream job?

Asking these questions is a good way to have a fresh outlook on upcoming career changes in your life.