One of the most important factors in achieving happiness and success in your work life is finding a position that aligns with your interests.

“Interests” -- areas that grab your attention and stir your enthusiasm -- are usually closely related to your values, and often trigger skill development. Since interests are typically rooted in the activities we find the most enjoyable or fulfilling, they are often easy to identify.

Think about the enduring themes in your life -- the way you spend your free time, things you daydream about, activities that persist over the years, consistent choices, etc. These themes usually indicate a strong interest.

Now imagine going after a job that you plan to have for a long time but doesn’t contain any of your interests. The importance of considering your interests when you’re looking at career paths should not be underestimated.

Exercise: Interests Inventory
Your answers to questions (listed below) can be very revealing. Your interests say a lot about your personality and what you really love to do, and these are important insights as you plan a focused search for a fulfilling career.

Take a few moments to review these 10 questions and note your responses.

1. If you had some time to spare, what would you do?
2. What arouses your curiosity and triggers your enthusiasm?
3. What do you enjoy doing most?
4. What types of activities do you enjoy participating in?
5. Do you enjoy group activities, or do you prefer working alone?
6. What hobbies do you actively pursue?
7. Do you enjoy outdoor activities or do you prefer being indoors?
8. What courses did you enjoy most in school?
9. When you fantasize about a career, what do you think you would enjoy doing?
10. What do you really dislike doing?

Now, respond with a “yes” or “no” to the following 18 questions:

1. Do you like working with machines and tools?
2. Do you like fixing or mending things?
3. Do you see yourself as being practical?
4. Do you like to examine and understand objects and events? 
5. Do you like to keep fit? 
6. Are you artistic?
7. Are you good at math and science? 
8. Do you have a good imagination? 
9. Do you like reading, music, art or theater? 
10. Are you a great organizer or administrator?
11. Do you like for things to be orderly?
12. Do you enjoy responsibility, achievement and working toward goals?
13. Do you express yourself well?
14. Do you work best in a non-structured environment?
15. Do you like to help others with their troubles or problems?
16. Are you a leader or a good public speaker? 
17. Do you like influencing others?
18. Do you enjoy following processes and meeting standards?

Now that you’ve identified your core interests, you should be better equipped to select a career course that will stimulate you and leave you feeling fulfilled. Keep your interests in mind as you explore your options -- whether your goal is to work for yourself or for someone else -- and try to create a work solution that will nourish you and benefit from your interests.

In our next column, we’ll walk you through a “skills assessment” exercise that will help you to further build your personal profile, and bring you a step closer to identifying your ideal home-based career.