Ever since I was a kid, I have been told I test well. I figure now that I'm about to phase out of my work life, there must be tests that I can take to help me plan what I would find satisfying and meaningful. What do you recommend?

— Tests Well

Dear "Tests Well,"

 

It is possible tests you may have done "well" on since childhood were aptitude, achievement or knowledge tests.  There are many "interest" inventories and exercises one can take to explore preferences, values, likes and dislikes.  They are not "tests" in the sense that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers - they are just tools to help you explore what you already know about yourself.  In other words,  you have the "knowledge" and the "answers" to questions that ask you to consider who you are and what you want at this stage in your life. 

 

One interest inventory that relates interests to occupation areas is the Strong Inventory; another is the Self-Directed Search.  Some instruments are self scoring while others you have to pay to have scored.  There are a number of sites on the Internet that offer various instruments.  Some are free while others offer instruments for a fee.  If you believe taking a battery of interest/personality/value/career instruments could be helpful, you might try the career center of community colleges in your area.  Sometimes colleges offer assessment programs to residents at reasonable rates.

 

Completing an assessment of who you are at this point can be very helpful if you have some guidance on what the instruments mean, what the results suggest, and how you might proceed.  Sometimes a career counselor or a course can provide valuable assistance, focus, and guide you in a self-exploration process.

 

One advantage you have in considering what activities would provide meaning and value for your life now is you have an experience base younger people do not have.   While it is common to use assessment instruments for people at the beginning or mid-point in their careers, any method that encourages self-reflection can be most helpful.  I would suggest looking at the career section in a local bookstore and choose a book that resonnates with you.

 

You did not mention if, financially, you need to continue employment.  One thing that makes self-reflection so gratifying in the later years is that you have a second chance to do or try things that you may not have done earlier in life because you had to work to "put food on the table."  Now is the time to consider which activities will "feed your soul." 

 

You have the answers within you.  It is simply a process of asking questions such as, "What activities have given me the greatest pleasure throughout the years?"  When I have I experienced the greatest sense of accomplishment?"  "What dreams have I put "on hold?"  "What contributions do I want to make to the world at this point?"

 

Since you have the "answers,"  I trust you will be able to access the information that will give you direction at this point in your journey.

 

All the best,

Christina Robertson