Moved to Chicago . . . . couldn’t find work, came home, fell off my bicycle and knocked out a bunch of teeth, 3 years later am still dodging medical bills (teeth are EXPENSIVE!), the company I previously worked for for nearly 4 years was swallowed up in a corporate take-over, and I’m back to making minimum wage, drawing unemployment, and am taking the Greyhound bus to Maine in June to start a southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

So much for planning! But I’m trying to enjoy the ride. : )

The “where do you see yourself in five years?” question is a tough one to answer in today’s economy. You can have a five-year plan and have it scuttled within a year of starting at a new company. Or, during a long-term job search, your priorities may totally change. As your post clearly illustrates, there is no way of knowing what will happen.

So what does a job seeker say when asked this question, especially now? I have little confidence in making any sort of plans anymore. :\

There is a distinct difference between what I say over here vs what I say over there. I don’t mean to be, but I tend to be more formal.

I’m so glad you found me because then I found you. I refer all job seekers to your blog.