When I hear someone complaining about their occupation I wonder how, with hundreds of careers from which to choose, one can wind up doing something he or she doesn't like. There is, literally, something for everyone. Whether you want to get a job right out of high school or are willing to spend eight years earning an advanced degree, you can find an option that is suitable for you.

Maybe part of the problem is, in fact, the number of choices out there. It can get very confusing. Let's say you did a self assessment—you may know this as a career test—and you're left with a list of careers that are suitable for you based on your personality, values, interests and skills. How do you compare one career to another in order to decide which is the best one for you? It all begins with gathering as much information as you can about the occupations you are considering. You can start by taking a look at Careers A to Z. This already extensive and still growing resource provides information on close to 200 occupations. You will find career profiles, quizzes and first-hand accounts from people working in some of those occupations. There are also links to related occupations and career fields and industries.

Related: Career Action Plan | Setting Goals | 10 Myths About Choosing a Career

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I'm now at the age when my own child and many of my friend's children are beginning to think about their careers. Many young adults I know are actually going to begin their careers shortly. The other day I was thinking about what advice I would give them, as a career development expert, as someone with a couple of decades of work experience and as a mom.

The most important thing I would tell them is this: whatever it is you choose to do with your life, be sure it makes you happy. Life is too short to spend any time at all doing work that doesn't fulfill you in some way. I would also tell anyone who is just starting out to realize that the only expectations they need to live up to are their own, not their parents' expectations, not their friends' expectations and not society's expectations. Then there's the advice I have shared with my contemporaries who aren't happy with the careers they chose many years ago. I tell them they aren't stuck in an unsatisfying career and, although it won't be easy, they can make a change.

More: Planning for Career Success: 11 Tips for a Fruitful and Satisfying Career

Cosmetics, food, household cleansers and many other products we use daily would not exist were it not for chemists. These scientists develop new products and processes, search for new knowledge about chemicals and use that knowledge to improve the way we live. Entry-level jobs in chemistry usually require a bachelor's degree. Those who want to work in research should have at least a master's degree, although a Ph.D. is required for a majority of those jobs. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition).

Are you thinking about becoming a chemist? If you are, you must learn more about it. Read Chemist: Career Information to get some basic details about this occupation, including earnings, job outlook and advancement opportunities. To get additional information, interview a chemist. For help deciding whether this career is a good fit for you, take the Should You Become a Chemist? quiz.

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The last thing you probably want to do now that the holidays are over is more shopping, but listen to this. According to many sources, January is one of the best months to buy business suits (July is the other one). The stores are trying to clear out the old to make room for the new, so this could be a good time to spruce up your work wardrobe. Remember, if you tend not to wear suits very often or if you work in a more conservative industry, stick to neutral colors like gray, navy or black. It makes coordinating your outfits much easier.

If you buy a new suit or two, you may be wondering what to do with your old ones. If they are still in good condition, you may want to consider donating them. Many people who are looking for work find themselves in a bind. They can't afford a suit because they are unemployed, and can't get a job because they don't have an interview suit. Your gently worn suit can help. Read Where Can I Donate Business Suits I Don't Need Anymore?

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