1. Culture - In what kind of company do I want to work? - Large or small? Public or privately owned? Nurturing environment or "sweat shop? Fun or serious? 2. Command - For what type of boss/supervisor would I like to work? - Warm and friendly or distant? Micro-manager or hands off? Dictator or leader?

3. Comrades - With whom do I want to work? - Team players or mavericks? Highly social or indifferent? Helpful and supportive? Shared work ethic?

4. Compensation - What would I like my financial package and other "benefits" to be? - How much money do I want to make? Do I want professional growth and development? Would I like to work on a commission basis? How important is recognition to me? 5. Contribution - What would I like to give in my work? - Do I need to make a difference in world? Do I need to express myself creatively? Do I need to take on a lot of responsibility? Do I want to lead or manage people? The 5 C's raise your awareness and ultimately improve your job satisfaction, because you're more likely to be doing and experiencing what you love, than taking what you can get. Although you can't control all these aspects of your career nor people in it, being clear will help you ask better questions and do better research as you evaluate your career. The key is in getting most you can, and also agreeing with yourself that what you are able to get is what you truly want.

To request a more complete list of questions to consider as you evaluate your five C's, email Dave Lindbeck at dave@instepcoaching.com.

Computer savvy?

Considering that five of ten hottest careers are computer related, if you have a knack for logging on and are interested in increasing and expanding your computer skills, a career in computers may very well be right choice for you.

Take some time to analyze ten hottest careers profiled on this page and consider all of choices carefully. Knowing that there is a high and growing demand for qualified people in each of these occupations may help you decide to pursue one of these jobs.