As children, we tend to have diverse career aspirations based on things we enjoy and our imagined utopian vision of adulthood [1]. As we grow older, however, the complexity of career decision-making increases. Indeed, it is all too easy to stay in an unfulfilling job without really knowing how we got there in the first place. Unsurprisingly, this can be detrimental to individuals’ well-being, exacerbate stressors, and erode a sense of meaning and purpose [2].

Conversely, when people hold a job they enjoy, they feel more passionate, connected, and committed to their work. With these three components in alignment, individuals are likely to look forward to most elements of their professional life and feel enthusiastic about going to work most days [2]. Further, a fulfilling career that aligns with one’s interests increases intrinsic motivation [3] and happiness, provides purpose and meaning, and buffers the effects of some workplace stressors [2].

Despite the benefits of doing a job you love, altering one’s career path can be a complicated, daunting, and challenging task for numerous reasons, such as fear of the unknown, concerns about income, lack of experience, and the perceptions of others. However, what if we could tear down those barriers and have the freedom to think creatively about our career preferences without restrictions?

This exercise will help clients create a list of nine different jobs they would choose if those barriers were removed. They can reflect upon their choices and look for common themes that indicate an interest or predisposition for a particular career.

Author

This tool was adapted from Karen James Chopra’s “Nine Lives” exercise by Elaine Houston.

Goal

This exercise aims to help clients think creatively about their career preferences. By removing all barriers, individuals will create a list of nine different jobs, which they will reflect on and look for common themes that indicate a predisposition for a particular career.