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What are the key factors to consider when making the decision regarding your career path? How do you know if this path is the right one for you?
#career-path #career-development
#JULY20
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8 answers
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi Leah!
It takes time to know what you are going to like/dislike. Don’t rush into things.
1. Consider your passions
2. Think about the kind of life you would like to provide to your family (money)
If your hobbies or things you enjoy doing can turn into prosperous jobs, consider it! You want to make sure you get up every morning and get excited about your job.
Is this job going to pay for a nice house, a few vacations and college for the kids? You are still young, but if one day you would like to start a family, salary plays a key role. In times like we are going through now, are you going to be able to continue to pay your mortgage or are you going to be without a job. Hard to say, but there are some jobs that will never be closed!
It takes time to know what you are going to like/dislike. Don’t rush into things.
1. Consider your passions
2. Think about the kind of life you would like to provide to your family (money)
If your hobbies or things you enjoy doing can turn into prosperous jobs, consider it! You want to make sure you get up every morning and get excited about your job.
Is this job going to pay for a nice house, a few vacations and college for the kids? You are still young, but if one day you would like to start a family, salary plays a key role. In times like we are going through now, are you going to be able to continue to pay your mortgage or are you going to be without a job. Hard to say, but there are some jobs that will never be closed!
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
The starting point I usually recommend is going to the department of labor's website and seeing what the fastest growing fields are. That will give you a starting point if you're drawing a blank about what you'd like to do. I'd also recommend looking at YouTube videos where employees discuss their favorite and least favorite parts of their jobs. One of the downsides to a lot of career decision materials is that they don't usually tell you the downsides of different careers, so it might help you narrow down the options you're considering.
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
There's really only three questions you need to answer. What pays money? What do I not suck at? What would I not hate doing? The intersection of these answers is where you should aim your career sights.
Thinking of work in such simple terms does two things: 1) it helps take the pressure off when you realize that you really only have to solve for three variables 2) it really can serve as a solid directional target to sail towards.
Here are some important things to remember so you don't get sucked in to a bad decision (remember you'll never really know if you've made the truly optimal decision, but you will know if you're happy).
What pays money? (or more friendly, How much do I want to make?): Make sure that you realize that more money DOES NOT equate to more happiness. Money is vastly important in this life, but only to the extent that it buys you security, not material possessions. Also remember that no matter career path you choose, the people at the top of the chain are very well off. Just remember that it's hard to be at the top of some professions!
What do I not suck at? (or more friendly, What can I be the best in the world at?): This world runs on skills, not degrees. Get good at something, and you will be successful. Remember that sometimes you will be great at things that you do not enjoy. Society will push you into these fields for one reason or another, but remember that this is only one of three pillars of a career choice...
What would I not hate doing? (or more friendly, What do I love doing?): This is perhaps most important to a happy career. Remember that you don't need to be absolutely thrilled going to work on Monday, but ideally, once you're locked in, you can access flow states and receive the accompanying flow of dopamine.
Security, skill, pleasure. That's all you need to be thinking about.
Thinking of work in such simple terms does two things: 1) it helps take the pressure off when you realize that you really only have to solve for three variables 2) it really can serve as a solid directional target to sail towards.
Here are some important things to remember so you don't get sucked in to a bad decision (remember you'll never really know if you've made the truly optimal decision, but you will know if you're happy).
What pays money? (or more friendly, How much do I want to make?): Make sure that you realize that more money DOES NOT equate to more happiness. Money is vastly important in this life, but only to the extent that it buys you security, not material possessions. Also remember that no matter career path you choose, the people at the top of the chain are very well off. Just remember that it's hard to be at the top of some professions!
What do I not suck at? (or more friendly, What can I be the best in the world at?): This world runs on skills, not degrees. Get good at something, and you will be successful. Remember that sometimes you will be great at things that you do not enjoy. Society will push you into these fields for one reason or another, but remember that this is only one of three pillars of a career choice...
What would I not hate doing? (or more friendly, What do I love doing?): This is perhaps most important to a happy career. Remember that you don't need to be absolutely thrilled going to work on Monday, but ideally, once you're locked in, you can access flow states and receive the accompanying flow of dopamine.
Security, skill, pleasure. That's all you need to be thinking about.
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Do you have activities you really like or love to do? I would suggest this is a good barometer to at least begin with when assessing how you begin to choose a career path. Are there any subjects in school that fascinate or captivate your mind or fancy? May be whomever is raising you is doing work you might want to consider.? I'll leave you with this. When I write for example answering these questions presented by students such as yourself, or when I sing, dance, or act it feels as if the work is coming from my heart and soul. When I go to my day job in order to receive money to pay bills, it feels like I am a zombie. When you choose work do it based on the opportunity to use your creative powers and energies because if you base your work on just getting money you will be in trouble. Take stock in yourself, write down what you like and don't like. Go for things that your heart desires not what's the latest fad or glittery thing to do. Good luck with your endeavors!
Updated
Fola’s Answer
There are several factors to consider when you are making decisions regarding your career path. The key question to ask yourself, bearing in mind that a job is what you spend most of your life doing, is: "What would I do if I wasn't getting paid for it?". The answer to that question will reveal what you are passionate about, what makes you tick and where you should really (ideally) make your living. There are other factors such as: What skills do you currently have? Is there anything you have ever dreamed of doing that you would like to make a reality? How much do you want to earn? What's your educational background? My advice is to write down the answers to these questions and have a careful look at them. Consider what matter most - money, fulfillment - or both (which is possible!), think about where you would like to be in 10/20 years time, then start working your way backwards!
Lastly I would say don't be afraid of making mistakes. That's what life is all about. You don't fail, you learn. So you don't have to get it right 100% the first time. Do your homework and be open to the opportunities that are out there. Best of luck!
Lastly I would say don't be afraid of making mistakes. That's what life is all about. You don't fail, you learn. So you don't have to get it right 100% the first time. Do your homework and be open to the opportunities that are out there. Best of luck!
Updated
Hoang’s Answer
Hello there!
Great question! Sounds like you are currently taking proactive steps in assessing and planning your your career path.
From a trait-factor theory perspective, people tend to gravitate towards careers matches their skills and interests. Perhaps spend some time crafting a list of skills, hobbies, interests and possible careers. I think the list might give you a good springboard upon which you can do more research, interview professionals in the field, or volunteer, etc.
I think many high school students begin to get a sense of their career paths based on the classes that they like and do well in. Similarly, college provides an opportunity to explore different career possibilities. Another way to find out whether or not a career is right for you is through entry level positions or internships that gives you the opportunity to work directly with professionals in the field.
I've also included a career guide tool that might be of help: https://www.mynextmove.org/
Hope that helps!
Create list of interests, skills, favorite classes, "dream jobs",
Research (https://www.mynextmove.org/)
Connect w/ those in the field!
Great question! Sounds like you are currently taking proactive steps in assessing and planning your your career path.
From a trait-factor theory perspective, people tend to gravitate towards careers matches their skills and interests. Perhaps spend some time crafting a list of skills, hobbies, interests and possible careers. I think the list might give you a good springboard upon which you can do more research, interview professionals in the field, or volunteer, etc.
I think many high school students begin to get a sense of their career paths based on the classes that they like and do well in. Similarly, college provides an opportunity to explore different career possibilities. Another way to find out whether or not a career is right for you is through entry level positions or internships that gives you the opportunity to work directly with professionals in the field.
I've also included a career guide tool that might be of help: https://www.mynextmove.org/
Hope that helps!
Hoang recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Leah,
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance. I will just add that you may want to consider gaining a better understanding of your natural strengths to help build your career plans. There are several assessments that you can take. My favorite is StrengthsFinder. The assessment and resulting report focuses purely on your strengths and how to best utilize them in your career. It is also provides great insight into why you are better at certain things than others as well as how to utilize those strengths to be more successful. Best wishes to you for continued success.
Research StrengthsFinder or other strength assessments to determine the right fit for you.
Take the assessment and review the resulting report for insights into your career options.
Retain the report for reference during your career to help level set or put you back on track.
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance. I will just add that you may want to consider gaining a better understanding of your natural strengths to help build your career plans. There are several assessments that you can take. My favorite is StrengthsFinder. The assessment and resulting report focuses purely on your strengths and how to best utilize them in your career. It is also provides great insight into why you are better at certain things than others as well as how to utilize those strengths to be more successful. Best wishes to you for continued success.
Kim recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I would also consider classes you’ve liked over the course of your life. If you love math, I would look at careers that are math oriented (math teacher, Actuary, etc). You won’t 100% know what career makes you happy until you get the job & actually start working. Which is totally fine. You’re young and have plenty of time to try out different things.
Job shadow if you can
Attend career fairs
Ashley recommends the following next steps: