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For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career StereotypesYou've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on race, religion or sex. But when you make a career or business decision, do you still make decisions based on stereotypes? "Insurance sales reps must be gregarious." Hal, a successful insurance agent for many years, has developed a portfolio of loyal, happy clients. Hal can be described as an introvert. He rarely speaks unless spoken to, and then he speaks briefly and softly. His clients have learned that he's a caring, dedicated agent who never misses a detail. "Accountants sit quietly and crunch numbers." These days, accountants, especially those in the large firms, have to become experts at client relations. Often they're expected to steer business towards the firm's consulting division. "Want to travel? Be a travel agent!" Once upon a time, when nobody worried about security and airlines gave us more than an inch of legroom, I loved to travel. When I sought ways to combine my love of travel with a career, I would often hear, "So become a travel agent." Surprise! Travel agents rarely travel. After all, someone has to stay in the office and answer calls from clients. A major perk involves the "fam" or familiarization trips, when agents are invited as a group to preview a new resort or discover a new locale. There's rarely time for leisurely sight-seeing. These days, a corporate travel agent is more like a traffic cop than a friendly guide, charged with enforcing regulations of the company who pays her commission: "The non-stop flight is two hundred dollars more than the connecting flight with the two-hour stopover. Looks like you've got two hours in Cleveland." After dealing with hundreds of less-than-thrilled employees, one agent told me he was quitting the industry, probably for the more serene life of a bill collector. "Big cities are unfriendly." Any place will feel hostile to newcomers. I've lived in several of the largest cities in North America and found helpful, caring people everywhere. Often businesses are more helpful simply because there's more competition. "The desert is all sand and cactus." In the high desert of New Mexico, where I live, we have green trees, flowering plants, and snow in the wintertime. We have abundant fruit trees and sometimes we have to rake leaves in fall. "Small towns are conservative, you have to join a church and country club, and you must be married." Probably some are. My town has less than twenty thousand people, yet I know lots of very happy residents who forego churches and country clubs in favor of coffee shops and art galleries. We have many single people and a sizeable gay population. Generalizations? Well, nearly everyone has a dog or cat and you'll find numerous multi-pet households. How can you avoid stereotypes? Traditional career tests often are based on outdated or stereotyped visions of careers. Stereotypes of locations tend to be perpetuated by folks who have never visited, let alone lived there. I encourage anyone contemplating a life change to follow the Rule of Six. Talk to at least six people who have real, hands-on experience on the path you want to follow. If they clam up and say they're too busy to talk, you've learned a great deal already. Most people will begin with a happy, party-line spiel. Dig deeper till you start uncovering negatives and warnings. On the rare occasions you hear a lot of negatives, keep going until you discover a positive. Harry almost gave up on his goal when four people talked about problems getting clients for a unique consulting business. After we talked, he realized they had all used the same time of marketing -- and they weren't very good at it. He broadened his search to gain a new perspective. The Bottom Line I'm always amazed at how many "experts" base recommendations on stereotyped versions of careers and places to live. That's why you may be advised to become a funeral director or a florist when you really belong in outside sales. There's no substitute for gathering your own information from people who have been there and back. If something sounds too good -- or too bad -- to be true, it probably is. About The Author Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com. "Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294 |  | | | RELATED ARTICLES Job Interviews: Six Steps to Acing a Telephone Interview Telephone interviews are becoming more popular these days. Whether that's good or bad depends on how you handle them! Seeking Knowledge Will Give You Power What are you interested in? We all have a passion for something. So, what is your passion? 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You're eavesdropping and you hear your boss has reservations at his favorite restaurant. You know, the one you can't afford. Call them back and cancel his reservations ? say you're his wife. Your First Job "Your first job is an extension of your education" Business Dress for Women: Making Impact Buying a suit can be an important investment when you are trying to improve your look for business or career advancement. Wearing a standard off-the rack suit for business or a job interview does not always mean success. Fit is very important. The outfit may be great but if it does not accentuate your positive features or is not the right color, you will not look as good as you can. The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career Many people in the last decade have experienced either a layoff or termination in their lives or the lives of somebody they know. While many of these people affected have experienced outplacement-consulting services, some have not and they may be in for a rude awakening - corporations no longer "take care of you". Managing your career in these times require you to have a game plan and an understanding of yourself and human behavior. That is why outplacement consulting and career coaches have become so popular and are being sought out by individuals, not just corporations. A career coach can help you manage more than just your career, they can help you communicate better and get along with others better. Age Discrimination is Alive and Unwelcome Here! Common sense appears to be a rare commodity these days. Why is this so? Are Your References Ready? One of the most common forms of background check performed by companies hiring new employees is the reference check. They typically request that candidates provide them with three names of previous bosses. 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