I've been chased by a gaggle of geese, a swarm of bees, a swamp dragon, and then there was that running bear last year. While it may seem like an unlikely leap, the running bear illustrates a key point many unemployed might consider thinking about -- What are you running from and where are you running to in your job search?

Let me explain: One day you are out on an easy, well marked hiking trail, minding your own business. You notice off in the distance a large number of other tourists are standing across a nearby highway, all staring in your direction. Some of them seem to be waving and shouting at you, trying to get your attention. You dismiss their concerns, thinking they are probably a bunch of city slickers, who are seeing a deer for the first time.

Then, reality hits you, when you realize the "danger" they are trying to express is a running bear, headed straight for you, of all places. Now, this is when everything you were ever taught about what to do when you encounter a bear -- runs down the trail without you.

In the terror of the moment, all you can remember is a hilarious keynote speaker talk that Bill Cosby once gave, on his own bear encounter, something about a tree . . . . .

Was it climb a tree? No, I think it was make like a tree . . . . OK, quick, does that mean put my arms out like branches? . . . . No, I think it was something about standing still like a tree . . . . Oh my God! . . . . that bear is running full tilt . . . . and is only four feet away!

Luckily, about that time the poor bear realized we were in his escape path, and veered off, up a nearby hill in another direction. Now, my husband was all for following him (and did). So, now I had a new epiphany, as I debated with myself as to whether I wanted to stay on the trail all alone and maybe meet another bear, or if I wanted to make like a squaw and run behind Mr.This Is So Much Fun.

My Light Bulb Moment: This isn't the time to not know what my best options are, and no one but me, could decide what was best, as I stood alone on the trail of life.

Just like the day the running bear was barreling straight for us, being unemployed can leave you panicked. Just like a running bear, who was a frightened bear (but not nearly as scared as we humans in his path), you might be barreling down a path with unknown perils. You might not know which way to turn.

Concerned friends and family may be pointing and advising you in all sorts of directions while you figure out whether to stand still, run for your life, or head in another direction -- just like the other tourists were urging us.

Maybe you saw the possibility of being unemployed coming, maybe you didn't. Still you ended up on an unknown trail, uncertain which way to go.

The question remains, are you going to follow the other multitudes of unemployed in your job search, or are you going to take your own path?

So you lost your job. Now you are among the many who are unemployed in a very shaky economic time, when job openings grow fewer and fewer every day. All of that extra company in the unemployment line, doesn't make things easier, when it comes to finding another job.

What if this is really the time, to not look for "another job" but a time to think about a new line of work? Maybe it's the perfect opportunity if you weren't happy in your former line of work, to explore the other possibilities?

Losing a job can be a time for personal and professional growth, a time to think about switching to a new line of work. Consider this:

• Now might be the time, to find out if you are more suited for a different kind of work
• Start with a personal wish list that includes what kind of job would you like to do, if you could start all over again
• Thinking about your hobbies and outside interests -- many people find that they can turn these into satisfying careers
• Contemplate what special knowledge and skills that you have might also apply to a different career path
• If you are the type -- take a scientific and studied path to discovering a new career field

Just like the old adage, "try before you buy," it might be wise to take some steps in trying out a new career path, by way of getting all the facts before you follow a new road.

Start by taking a few "career tests." Lots of them are free and available online. Most of them analyze your answers and line up your profile with several possible career fields suitable to your personality. Remember though, no test is completely accurate, and it's a good idea to take several tests and then just use them as a possible route, as opposed to a real road map, should you decide on pursing a new career.

Another Path -- Check Out the U.S. Department of Labor's website, or at your local library for an Occupational Outlook Handbook. It's a detailed book of job descriptions on hundred of different occupations to explore.

Still Another Path -- Interview Those Who Are Already Working in the Field -- Very often, this back door approach, is the best way to learn about the real career path you are contemplating switching to. Ask simple questions, such as:

• How did you get into this field of work?
• What do you like the most about this job?
• What do you hate about this job?
• What skills would I need to work in a similar job?
• Do you have any advice for someone wanting to work in this field?

You'll be surprised at the insights you'll find, and how these contacts may even become important networking contacts when you are ready to follow that career path.

There a thousands of non-traditional jobs around the country that might be just what you are looking for. One example I'm going to offer you can be found right on the path where I met the aforementioned running bear -- your national and state park's.

At Yellowstone National Park, for instance, there are:

• Entry level jobs
• Internships
• Management Training Programs
• Seasonal Jobs (They hire 3,500 seasonal employees each year)
• Full Time Jobs
• Jobs for Retirees
• Jobs for International Students

These jobs often include housing and meals, in additional to pay. There are jobs in accounting, retail, personnel, in addition to park service and tourist industry type positions. Here is a link for applying at Yellowstone National Park online.

While I'm using Yellowstone as an example, remember there are sixty-four National Parks, and over two thousand State Parks that hire employees in the U.S. That's a fair number of potential employers that many will not think of when doing a job search.

Finally, spend time every day being good to yourself, taking a mental vacation and time to grieve. It takes time to heal emotionally from the trauma of being unemployed. Everyone reacts differently to this stressful loss. Sometimes you don't see a layoff coming and you can be quite shocked. Try not to make any important decisions in the first few days of unemployment. Instead:

• Do the things you love
• Take a few days off
• Spend time with those who love you
• Read
• Allow yourself to feel angry, but don't allow that to consume you
• Then, move on with a concrete plan

Don't forget to make time for laughter, and on that note, let's go back to thinking about human and bear encounters -- I was reminded of a bear warning sign that has been reported in British Columbia, Canada.

It advises humans to carry Pepper Spray and wear noisy bells on their clothing. The sign then educates the public on the differences between black bear scat and grizzly. One supposedly contains the visible signs of berries and squirrel -- the other has bells and smells like pepper.

Always seek a little laughter along life's paths, including the path to finding a job.