A responsible career goes beyond a calling or cause. In addition to enabling you to work for a goal or cause, a career should help you improve your lifestyle. Believe it or not, perks can go beyond basic salaries and health insurance to help you balance your quality of life. Especially if you're in an environment with 40+ hour work weeks, you need time to relax.

In its September Outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national unemployment rate remains strong at just under 10 percent. Translated, this number says that about one in ten Americans in the job market are unemployed.

Rethink how you approach your professional bonds.

Learn to think strategically when job hunting in a terrible economy.