Careers for the Millenium By: By Jeff Damron, Counselor The Prowler, LANETT, AL October 18, 1999 What is most important to you in a job--high pay, good benefits, long-term security, and a pleasant working environment? Maybe you`re the type who thrives on travel, adventure, and a tough new challenge every day. Beginning next month, we will feature an overview of three careers offering all of the above, with a view toward helping you consider your talents, needs, goals, and desires as you plan for your future. As you wrestle with college and career decisions, bear in mind that many working Americans are not very happy with their jobs. In fact, a recent national survey found that less than 30% say they`re completely satisfied in their positions. Most admit they would change jobs tomorrow if given the opportunity. Therefore, it is critical that you research career fields to determine where your level of satisfaction will be high. Dr. Don Bagin, publisher of Communications Briefings, a monthly newsletter published in Alexandria, VA, advises students to: (1) Consider what is really important to you. One way to do this is to ask yourself how you want your obituary to read. When considering career options, trust your gut, he says. (2) Think about what greater good your work does. For example, if you find yourself in advertising, think about how the products you promote help consumers, and how the products`increased sales create jobs for people who manufacture and distribute them. (3) Enjoy the process of doing your job, rather than focusing only on the outcome. Also, take time to revel in your accomplishments and take pride in the quality of your work. This is good advice for both students about to enter the world of work, and for adults who might be considering mid-career changes. Check this section in the next edition for the first three career profiles.