Test-drive a Career: Vocation Vacations

A company called Vocation Vacations lets you shadow a professional in a field of your choice, see what goes on behind the scenes, and even get your hands dirty for about a week (or more). Their programs include brewmaster, actor, dude rancher, chef, meteorologist, record producer, veterinarian, wine sommelier, and many others! See all their available programs here.

This seems like an awesome idea that lets you sample a career for a week or two. It sounds like a good option for overachievers who are either curious about a new profession or just want to take an interesting vacation and learn something at the same time.

As a sidenote, if you’re thinking about changing jobs or careers, I would recommend the book “What Color is Your Parachute?,” by Nelson Bolles. It’s the most popular career-change book that’s been published and a great starting point with exercises to help you through the process. Or you could also hire me to help you! We all know you can do it on your own, but there’s nothing like a “personal trainer” to give you guidance, keep you on task, and make sure it’s a priority.

• Anyone out there thinking about a change in job or career?