Now What Do I Do?: The Woman's Guide to a New Career

Jan Cannon
Capital Books (2005)
ISBN 1931868999
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (10/06)

Today we look at employment differently than our parents did. We change jobs more often and know we’ll work longer before retirement. Jan Cannon, president of her own career counseling firm, smashes the concept that career changes must be made prior to mid-life. In fact she helps her readers embrace changes after forty, and even fifty. She focuses on women of this age group because this population has been previously ignored by career planners.  “Now What Do I Do?” is for people considering changing jobs or those who have to. It is even helpful to those who want to start their own business or just want to do volunteer work. “The right job…is one that meets psychological, emotional, and financial needs as much as one that uses your skills.”

The author goes through the mechanics required in searching for work, but also helps readers get to know themselves, their skills and their preferences. The book reads quickly, but it is also a workbook full of assessments which allow the reader to ponder their attributes and desires so they don’t settle for the first available job, but instead find where they are meant to be. Rather than being too late to realize our dreams, “Mid-life is a time for exploration and self-expression, not resignation.” Being closer to mid-life than my twenties, I find this very reassuring!

I especially liked the “Exploring the Want Ads” exercise. Previously I only circled the jobs I knew I could get. But the author suggests circling anything that interests you, whether you are qualified or not, because you’re not looking for a specific job in this case, but what interests you, and therefore motivates you. This exercise includes other steps to make it as valuable as possible.

Jan Cannon suggests many types of support tools, one of which is your own “Success Team.” This is a group of people you select who will support you during your job search. We have support groups for everything else, why not job hunting? Lastly the resource section overflows with websites, books and associations to benefit your search.

Even if you don’t think you want a change, read “Now What Do I Do?”  It will give you the confidence to step out of the box. After all, there’s plenty of time left.

Make comment on weblog