2. Write an advertisement for the job you want to have fi ve years from now. Be specifi

c. Describe the company, title, responsibilities, required education, and experience, salary, and benefi ts. Use employment ads in the Sunday job listings as inspiration. What do you want to be when you grow up?82 Still not sure? Ask around. You’re not alone. Chances are, your friends and relatives aren’t certain either. Sure, they may have jobs and careers, but you’re likely to fi nd that, professionally, many of them don’t want to be where they are today. Sometimes people’s interests change, or they may burn out. And some people are unhappy with their current job or career because they weren’t in the right one to begin with.

Getting the job and career you want is not easy. It takes time, effort, and persistence. And even though you will probably follow multiple career paths in your life, your career-planning process will be easier (and more effective) if you take the time to develop a personal career plan.