Q: After two years of college, I took an office job that required someone with computer skills who was also a good communicator. I think I got the job because I am extremely articulate, even though I'm confused as to my goals in life. I didn't know what I wanted to major in, so I thought working might help me. I have various office duties and get along with the employees here, but still don't know what I want. Do I stay in an office job or go back to school? If I go back, I don't want a degree for the sake of having a degree. Some of my friends always knew what they wanted to do, but I grew up with no guidance from my parents, and nothing has changed.

A: You might be out of touch with any desires, childhood or otherwise, which causes you this lack of feeling for any path you take. Though not every child has dreams or passions for a specific career, most have strong interests, likes and dislikes that don't necessarily come from parental suggestions. To avoid wasting time working or going to school in a field that perpetuates your lack of interest or excitement, invest in vocational assessment and evaluation, and act on the results.

Private companies, local colleges and community centers can offer vocational assessment and career counseling. Though private companies may be quite expensive, they can offer the most extensive range of assessment testing covering all the areas that contribute to a person's interest and drive to a field. The many accepted assessment tests are Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Valpar Pro3000, Strong Interest Inventory, Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI-3), and Wide Range Achievement Test. Other approved tests developed by psychological-testing companies may be used by assessment-consulting firms. Schools may offer only one or two tests to help guide you into knowing yourself, but the more you take, the better your information in making an informed decision.

Some people are lucky enough to know from childhood that they want to be doctors, lawyers, dentists, law enforcement professionals, and those choices can be a serious time investment. But there are also numerous professions that don't require long-term investments. None of the testing results will give you one do-or-die choice for a career field, but narrowing down your choices should help tremendously. Because the tests consider personality type, interests, abilities and intelligence, the results should run true throughout your life, assuming you don't experience life-changing, mind-altering events. In deciding where to go for the tests (private company or community college or center), the more information, the better. This is one investment situation where you reap what you sow.

Schools will likely turn over the results to you, while the private consulting firms will interpret and counsel you on the assessment results, guide you through the process in how your abilities transfer to various fields, and help you create a action plan. Whatever you choose, any information should help move you closer to finding a career that suits you, unless of course, you decide to do nothing.

COMPETITION DOES NOT HAVE TO BE NEGATIVE

Q: I do the same work as my co-worker at a practice that periodically makes associates partners. This competitive environment seems to bring out the worst character traits in people, and I don't want to participate in that game. Am I being naive?

A: Being ethical does not mean you are naive. You are taking a stand that you will be judged on your work, and you will not do anything to sabotage or undermine anyone. If other associates play by a different set of rules, then so be it. Just watch your back in the process.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.