3 April

Since settling on the where of this journey, I am now moving on to the what. As in what to do once I move to Lake Tahoe in September.

I will now focus my attentions on the job search, while continuing to monitor the real estate market in my selected markets. My goal is to not only find a job in the Tahoe area, but to find one that suits my talents/personality. In other words, rather than simply accepting any job, I want to approach it in a more orderly, purposeful manner so that I can find a job I'll really enjoy. What I don't want: another job in sales. What do I want? I'm not sure. Which is why I have started my job search by taking some free personality tests online.

My first test was a quick, 41 question, modified version of the classic Myers-Briggs (MB) test which breaks down personality into 16 types, each containing four categories or facets. According to the test I took online, my personality is INFJ (Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, Judging.

The following is found in Wikipedia's entry for INFJ:

INFJs are conscientious and value-driven. They seek meaning in relationships,

Image via Wikipedia

ideas, and events, with an eye toward better understanding themselves and others. Using their intuitive skills, they develop a clear vision, which they then execute decisively to better the lives of others. Like their INTJ counterparts, INFJs regard problems as opportunities to design and implement creative solutions.[12]

INFJs are quiet, private individuals who prefer to exercise their influence behind the scenes. Although very independent, INFJs are intensely interested in the well-being of others. INFJs prefer one-on-one relationships to large groups. Sensitive and complex, they are adept at understanding complicated issues and driven to resolve differences in a cooperative and creative manner. [13]

Accounting for 1–3% of the population,[14] INFJs have a rich, vivid inner life, which they may be reluctant to share with those around them. Nevertheless, they are congenial in their interactions, and perceptive of the emotions of others. Generally well-liked by their peers, they may often be considered close friends and confidants by most other types. However, they are guarded in expressing their own feelings, especially to new people, and so tend to establish close relationships slowly. INFJs tend to be easily hurt, though they may not reveal this except to their closest companions. INFJs may "silently withdraw as a way of setting limits," rather than expressing their wounded feelings—a behavior that may leave others confused and upset.[15]

All of which fits with my dream job which entails working from home, sitting in front of my computer.

From another online personality test, I received the following list of compatible careers:

Careers that could fit you include:
Writers, artists, counselors, social workers, English teachers, fine arts teachers, child care workers, clergy, missionaries, psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, political activists, editors, education consultants, journalists, religious educators, social scientists.

Afterwards, I took a third test at Personal DNA, where it was revealed that I am a Faithful Artist. Here's a few of the highlights, which sound in-synch with the Myers-Briggs results, with a difference in terminology:

Your appreciation of beauty, ability to think abstractly, and innovativeness make you an ARTIST.
Never one to be tied to a particular way of doing things, you let your imagination guide you in discovering different possibilities.
You would rather seek out new experiences than stick to your everyday habits, taking in as much of the world as possible.
Your trust in others, respect for tradition, and caring nature make you FAITHFUL.
Maintaining a few intimate relationships is more important to you than knowing a lot of people, and you share a lot with your close friends.

Even my current reading list reflects my career search: I've begun reading two career planning/job search books, No More Mondays and Knock 'Em Dead 2009: The Ultimate Job Search Guide (a very good and practical job search handbook).