My very first job was working as carhop at an A&W root beer stand. From there, I was a hotel maid, operated a five-trunk-line switchboard, painted houses, sold girl’s clothes at Sears, and worked as a bartender at a high-class restaurant—at least until I was fired for holding a bottle of champagne between my knees while struggling to pop the cork.

But life went on. After college, I taught high school. Then I earned an MS and worked as an HR director for a Fortune 500 company, ran a large resort in Maine, and eventually landed a position as a university professor. I enjoyed all my jobs—except my one day gig as a hotel maid. But it wasn’t until I finished my Ph.D. and became a personal historian that I found my true passion.

I hope that you, too, have found—or will find—your true passion. Wherever you are on your job/career path you have created many stories along your way. Use the following prompts to help tell them:

Start by listing your jobs.   

Tell a story about each job. What? Where? When? How much were you paid?

What did you want to be when you grew up? How did that turn out?

What was you all-time favorite? Why?

What was your least favorite? Why?

Tell a story about getting promoted.

Tell a story about getting fired.

Tell a story about quitting.

What advice do you have about sticking with a job you don’t like?

Tell a story about any awards or special recognition you received.

Tell a story about your inventions, innovations, accomplishments.

Tell a story about a boss you admired.

Tell a story about a boss you couldn’t stand.

Tell a story about a co-worker who became a dear friend.  

Tell a story about changing jobs or careers.

Tell a story about what work means to you.

If you are retired, tell a story about how retirement changed your life. What do you do to fill what were once work hours?