Common Question: What Should My Career Be?
Whether you are graduating high school, entering university, or changing careers in your 40’s or 50’s you may be asking yourself, “What career should I have?”
Finding the answer to the question, “what should my future career be?” may seem daunting, but it is not impossible.
Sometimes, discovering your career path involves getting to know yourself better and understanding how to match your personality and education to the right career.
In today’s modern times, it is not uncommon to change careers several times.
Choosing the right career should involve a number of factors including –
- Choosing a career in the areas of your interest.
- Choosing a career that fits your overall skills.
- And deciding whether you are ready to go to college/university to get the certificate, diploma, or degree you need for the career you want to pursue.
Discover your Core Skills, Experience and Expectations
Each of us has our own interests and skills, which we bring into the decision-making process for our career.
However, there’s always more than one career choice for each of us.
So, when you are asking yourself “what career suits me,” keep your mind open to the many possibilities.
This article aims to guide you in choosing a suitable career by addressing some key questions.
It is not just about following your passion, but also assessing the practicality and feasibility of the career.
Do you know what factors to consider while pursuing your desired profession?
This article is divided into two sections:
- Discover Your Passion: Identify Activities You Truly Enjoy
- Key Considerations When Selecting a Career Path
Let’s delve into these areas:
Discover Your Passion:
Identify Activities You Truly Enjoy
How to Find What You Really Love to Do
Many of us spend a significant portion of our lives at work, so it’s crucial to find what you love to do, whether it’s in your personal life or employment.
Here are some tips on how to discover what you love to do and make it a reality.
1.) Focus on What You Like
Focus on what you enjoy doing.
No career is perfect, so if the things you like outweigh the things you don’t, it’s easier to be satisfied with your career path.
2.) Give Yourself Adequate Time
Finding the career that you love takes time. Give yourself permission to find the career that lets you do what you love, and you’ll know it when you find it.
3.) What are Your Talents?
Each of us has talents that are natural to us.
Some things come easier to us than to others. Knowing what your natural talents should play a role in your career choices. There are some excellent career quizzes that will guide taking your natural talents into consideration.
4.) Where Do You Prefer Working?
Do you like to travel, stay close to home?
Do you like working in a small office or big office? Do you like working for an independent, a government, or a corporate employer?
5.) What is Your Style of Work?
You may not even realize it, but we all have our own style of work.
This style could be in direct conflict with the career you are considering. For example, perhaps you like being around people and helping people, then a career as an accountant might not be a great choice.
6.) What are You Looking for in Terms of Earnings?
Financially what are looking to earn and what are you looking for in the future.
For example, if you are single now you should consider what you would want to make if you had a family you needed to support and would the career you are considering be able to meet those needs.
Each of us has our own definition of what a comfortable lifestyle is – make sure the career choice you make can offer the income you desire.
7.) Don’t Choose Based on Salary
Don’t assume that the career you love comes with a hefty salary.
While money is essential, it shouldn’t be the sole basis of your decision-making. A higher salary doesn’t always mean greater happiness.
8.) Don’t be Afraid to Ask for What You Want
Asking for what you want is not as challenging as it may seem. If you don’t ask, potential employers won’t know what you’re looking for. You may get turned down, but it’s better to try and not regret it later.
9.) Ignore What’s Irrelevant
Don’t let titles, status, or perks sway your decision-making. Avoid deciding on a career because it impresses others, and don’t base your decision on pressure from family or friends.
Focus on what you truly love, and you’ll be happy.
10.) Don’t Wait to Switch Jobs
One of the biggest regrets people have been not quitting their job earlier to pursue what they love.
Staying in a career that doesn’t fulfill you will only cause you more dissatisfaction. Leave your current job sooner rather than later if you feel unfulfilled.
6 Key Considerations When Selecting a Career Path
Choosing a career path is an important decision that can significantly impact our lives. Ultimately, finding a career that aligns with your passions and skills is crucial for success.
So, let’s dive into the six factors that can help you make an informed decision about your career path.
- Childhood Career Aspirations.
- Questions to Determine Your Dream Career.
- Considering Your Career Aspirations.
- Finding a Career Based on Your Interests and Hobbies.
- Job Preferences: Intellectual, Manual, or Social?
- Discover your Core Skills, Experience and Expectations
1.) Childhood Career Aspirations
As children, many of us aspired to be teachers, doctors, or even astronauts.
Some may have even dreamed of being action heroes or rock stars. However, as we grow up and understand the importance of working for a living, our answers to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” changes.
2.) Questions to Determine Your Dream Career
When it comes to choosing a career, we are often asked questions like:
“What is your dream career?” or “What do you want to do for a career?”
These questions are often included in career assessment tests. In order to determine what kind of career is right for you, there are four initial questions to consider.
3.) Considering Other Career Aspirations
Your career aspirations play a significant role in deciding the type of career you would pursue.
In addition to the desire to be rich and famous, consider other aspirations you might have, such as wanting to travel or create a product that improves people’s lives.
4.) Finding a Career Based on Your Interests and Hobbies
With the ever-evolving job market, there are now several ways to make a living from your interests and hobbies.
Even careers in creative fields like acting and singing have become more substantial due to the high demand for creative individuals.
When considering a career path, consider what you like doing and what you are passionate about.
5.) Discover your Core Skills, Experience and Expectations
Each of us has our own interests and skills, which we bring into the decision-making process for our career.
However, there’s always more than one career choice for each of us.
So, when you are asking yourself “what career is best for me,” keep your mind open to the many possibilities.
6.) Job Preferences: Intellectual, Manual, or Social?
Some people thrive in jobs that require intellectual or creative skills, while others prefer manual or physical labor.
Similarly, some people like working in teams, while others prefer individual work.
It’s important to determine which type of job you feel most comfortable doing.
In Conclusion,
Choose a Career that You Can Do and Will Enjoy
Choose a career that not only interests you but is also something you can do and will enjoy after obtaining the necessary training and education.
While many people dream of being rock stars or famous actors, it’s crucial to consider whether a career is feasible based on your abilities and skillset.
Ultimately, finding a career that aligns with your passions and skills is the key to success.
Career Test
If you’re still unsure of your career path, consider taking online tests to help you determine the right career path for you.
Whether you’re starting your career or considering a change, knowing what you want is the first step to finding a fulfilling job.