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Those considering a job change seek many sources of guidance, but the opinion they value most often comes from the person closest to them. â€" Nearly half (46 per cent) of executives polled said they turn first to spouses or significant othâ€" ers for advice when evaluating a potential job change, up from 42 per cent in 2002. The survey also shows mentors carry greater clout than five years ago: 41 per cent of responâ€" dents said they would consult their mentors first, compared to 28 per cent in 2002. The poll included responses from 150 senior executives, including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Accountemps, the world‘s first and largest specialized staffing service for tempoâ€" rary accounting, finance and bookkeeping proâ€" fessionals. Executives were asked, "If you were considerâ€" ing changing jobs, which one of the following people would you most likely approach first for _ mm s m w Recruiting doctors remains a priority Continued from page 16 bined with the onâ€"going collaboration among the business, municipal and education sectors, will recruiting doctors will remain a community priâ€" enhance our status as a location of choice for ority in the coming year and for many years to healthâ€"care providers. recruiting doctors will remain a community priâ€" ority in the coming year and for many years to follow. However, the new McMaster/University of Waterloo satellite medical school and school of pharmacy are positive initiatives for establishing our community as a centre for teaching excelâ€" lence and innovation in health care. Considering a career move? If so, you‘ll likely consult your spouse "The advice of mentors, colleagues and other confidants helps when weighing the pros and cons of a career transition, but a job change has personal and family implications." These significant recent developments, comâ€" â€" Max Messmer Chairman of Accountemps advice when evaluating a potential job change?" Their responses were spouse or significant other â€" 46 per cent, mentor â€" 41 per cent, coâ€"worker four per cent, other family member â€" four per cent, friend â€" three per cent and someone else â€" two per cent. 2 "The advice of mentors, colleagues and other confidants helps when weighing the pros and cons of a career transition, but a job change has personal and family implications," said Max Messmer, the chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies, "A spouse or significant other is not only familiar with a partner‘s overall priorities and motivators, but also has a stake in the outcome of his or her career decisions." Along with seeking advice from family, friends and mentors, Accountemps advises professionals to consider the following questions before makâ€" ing a career transition: * Is the grass really greener? If you once were satisfied in your present job, what changed? Will the new position be more fulfilling or would you be better off trying to enhance your current role so it includes more of the duties you enjoy? * Will you have room to grow? When considerâ€" ing a new position, ask about advancement potential. o â€" If a career deadâ€"end is prompting your desite to make a change, you want to be sure you don‘t end up in the same situation at a different comâ€" pany in a year or two. __* Have you done your homework Is the firm in good financial condition? Have you researched the industry, and the company‘s mission and valâ€" ues? Try to determine if the new work environment will appeal to you. Todd Letts is president and CEO and Art Sinclair is director of economic development for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Ontario‘s largest accredited Chamber of Commerce. Celebrating Our # To celebrate throughout the year we will have monthly and many inâ€"store specials. Visit us often and join in as we celebrate 50 years of serving the Waterloo region. Sale ends Jan. 31/08 WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, January 16, 2008 * 17 This year marks Fairway Lumber‘s 50th year in business , Year n Business