American workers change jobs more frequently than workers in older industrial countries. The movement from a manufacturing economy to a service economy involves many job changes for workers. Consequently, workers need flexibility. Counselors are challenged to help clients view life holistically, recognizing the dimension of quality of life. Clients need to be helped to understand what is needed for their satisfaction. Counselors can use instruments such as interest inventories to assist clients. A new theory of career has been proposed which suggests that one is employed by life and thus must have some degree of self-knowledge. This theory, called LIFECAREER, involves inner and outer sources of information. Life is the process and career is the direction. This theory recognizes that although individuals may know what life work is essential for satisfaction, they may place barriers in their way. In counseling, clients are asked to list five significant life events. Life events are then identified and explored. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction are discussed. Client and counselor then examine emerging patterns. Finally, clients can synthesize and articulate life patterns. (ABL)