I would be a much happier person if...

Kick Back and Relax...
Close your eyes and think about the most enjoyable days of work or play. See yourself smiling, laughing or feel yourself confident and happy. What is it that you are doing? Not what was your job title, but what skills are you applying? Is it an interest or hobby that you see yourself enjoying? Jot down some notes about the activity, task you are doing, what specifically you are having fun at, and what special talent you see emerging from this interaction.

Talk Story...
Now start talking story to your friends and family about their jobs. Expand it to your neighbors, colleagues, grocery store clerks, or anyone you see that is using these same skills and abilities that you noted you like doing so much too! Your goal is to find people that you can interview for information, information about their line of work.

Ask Permission to Talk Story One-on-one...
Invite that person you think has the same interests and skills as you - to lunch or coffee. Ask for only 30 - 40 minutes of their time and explain the reason as you think you might be interested in their field of work as you seem to share the same abilities.

Be Prepared to Talk Story...
Create a list of questions that you'd like to ask. For example: How did you get this kind of job? What are the requirements for this work? What are the best and worst aspects of this work? What kind of pay range can be expected? What chances are there for moving ahead in this field? Why do you like this job?

Ask Them for Referrals...
See if they can share with you a couple of other names of individuals that also use these same skills but might be in a different field of work. Ask permission to use their name when you call their referrals. That same day or the next day, call these referrals and make an appointment. Do not put it off.

Repeat the Process...
Keep talking story with people until you find yourself excited and enthusiastic about a particular line of work and know that this is the direction you want. This process works! And you will see that people love to talk story when you show that you really care about what they are doing, and you really appreciate that they are helping you. Just think you will be able to do it for someone else soon!

Mahalo Note Cards...
Always send a thank you card, as the individual has given to you a great gift! Insight to what makes them a happier person.