Are you in love with your work? Or, more likely, do you put up with the day and look forward to going home? Do you arrive at work excited to meet the day? Or, do you privately think about Friday and the weekend?

Let's face it: finding employment isn't just about getting a job. It's about getting a job that you will enjoy, that will stimulate you mentally and challenge you in all the right ways. A job that satisfies all your passions. A job that, well, doesn't feel like work!

Although a job like this can be hard to find. In fact, it can be hard even to decide what career is right for you. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind as you set about charting the course of your career:

• Do what you love. Think about what you do in your spare time. Think about your hobbies. What do you do at night, after work? What do you do on the weekend? The ideal career is one which allows you to combine a professional livelihood with your hobbies and passions. For example, let's say you come home every night and start flipping through fashion magazines. Perhaps shopping on the weekends is something you love. If so, why not consider a career in the fashion magazine industry? If you enjoy collecting antique furniture at thrift stores and flea markets, maybe you should think about working at a store where you can, purchase, refurbish and resell furniture. The point here is that your work will never seem like work if it is an honest reflection of your true interests.

• Don't apply for a job just because others think you should. Never let other people sway what might be the most important decision in your professional life. If you are a college senior, for example, and all your friends are applying to banking jobs, it doesn't mean you have to do the same. Each person has his or her own individuality and interests that need to be matched with a relevant job.

• Think about all aspects of a career path—good and bad. Perhaps you are jealous of a friend who has a great career as a lawyer—you enjoy the various facets of his or her job, including the pay, the benefits, and the general pace and nature of the work. There's just one problem: you hate working long hours, and you know you'll never be happy with a job that keeps you at the office until 11 p.m. When you're considering careers, don't just think about the positive aspects, like power, money or reputation. Also consider the amount of hard work and sacrifices you are going to have to make—and decide whether or not it's worth it to you.

• Pick a career that fits your lifestyle. Are you a mom or dad with three kids, a new house, a dog and lots of commitments? If so, then it may be a bad idea to take on a job that requires two weeks of travel each month, or that is going to require you to move to a foreign country at the drop of a hat. Lifestyle considerations are important even if you don't have kids, of course. No matter what your circumstance, always keep in mind that various careers may have a significant impact on your living situation, your social life, your free time, and so on. Be sure to choose a career that fits well into your established lifestyle—or, if your dream job necessitates significant change, make sure you are ready for it.