But, without those trusty rungs to show way, how do you figure out next step in your career? How do you determine if you need to go to business school or graduate school? How do you identify your next job?

You could employ dartboard method, or a Magic 8 Ball. Or, instead of struggling to find next rung on that mythical ladder, you could identify your long-term career goals, and then focus on closing gap between today and your future goals. By focusing on long-term, and skills and experiences you need to gain, you will increase your options and give yourself flexibility to operate in today's chaotic working world.

To determine your career plan, first write down your long-term goal. Then, do a Career Gap Analysis, by following these four steps:

Step One Divide a blank sheet of paper into three columns. At top of left column, write: "Current Skills and Experiences." At top of middle column, write: "The Gap." Finally, at top of column on right, write "Future Needs."

Step Two In right column, Future Needs, list skills, education, abilities, and experiences you will need to be successful in future you envisioned when determining your long-term goals. For example, if your future goal is to start your own business, you will need following: knowledge of how to write a business plan, basic accounting or financial analysis skills, ability to manage a group of people, experience in writing new business proposals, and marketing skills.