Now compare your lists. Is there any overlap? If so, you may have identified an ideal career you would find fulfilling.

What if there is no obvious overlap? Ask yourself: what do the listed careers have in common? Your lists may shed light on your ideal career from the perspective of the way you like to work. While referring to the lists, ask yourself these questions:

Do these careers require knowledge recall? Do you have a great memory and like to gain and recall information? Or, do prefer tasks that do not require the recall of knowledge?

Do these careers require knowledge acquisition and problem-solving? Do you like to problem-solve, creating new knowledge and understanding what was not previously known? Or, do you prefer tasks with known solutions or procedures?

How long are the tasks involved in these careers? Do you prefer short-term tasks, those that change rapidly? Or, do you like long-term projects, ones you can focus on – or get lost in -- for hours or days?

To what extent do these careers provide predictability and structure? Do you like the repetition and the comfort of knowing what is coming next along with the satisfaction of seeing things completed? Or, do you like when tasks change rapidly forcing you to be in the moment?

Do these careers require group or team work? Do you like working in a group, where many share knowledge and input for an outcome or join collectively in the creative process? Or, do you like to work alone, getting lost in your own thoughts and creative energies?

Do these careers require a service orientation? Do you like to help others, providing service, or making people feel better? Or, do you like to work in ways which do not involve client interaction?

Do these careers require physical activity or movement? Do you like to be in motion, either using your physical strength or moving from place to place?

The lists and your answers to these questions should give you a sense for the way you like to work and the type of career that might be ideal for you.