Caitlin
Should the rigorousness of a job be considered for when choosing a career?
Ever since 3rd grade, I have put myself in more rigorous academic situations (specifically Gifted and Talent and the International Baccalaureate Program) and I respond well to hard work. Will all of the difficult courses I have been taking, I started to look at jobs that require a lot more intelligence or a certain type of drive. As a child, I was interested in jobs that seem a little too "light" in the working spectrum and many of the jobs still seem interesting but is it common for people who are used to pushing themselves and staying busy with activities, sports, and academics to find themselves bored out of their minds in less demanding jobs? When choosing a career, should this be an important factor, or am I overthinking this a little? #career-choice #course
3 answers
Mahesh Areekara
Mahesh’s Answer
Hi Caitlin, this is a great question!
The most important thing to consider while choosing a career or job is that it should really excite you. The job should be challenging enough or you will get bored quickly and will be demotivated. If you enjoy doing rigorous activities, then you should take up a job that require rigorous hard work. But it should not be monotonous. There should be something new to learn everyday otherwise you will quickly feel bored. So look for some job that you enjoy doing and there are lots of opportunities for learning something new.
Regardless of the career you choose, you need to continue to acquire and hone your skills to avoid becoming obsolete.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Confucius once said
Thank you!
Caitlin
John Greenwood, MBA
John’s Answer
Challenge and rigor should definitely be a consideration. You want a job that will present enough challenge to keep you engaged, but not so much as to create burnout (where there is too much stress for you).
A couple of things, first, you can change careers over time, but some careers are easier to transition (i.e. business) than other careers that require specialized training (i.e. doctors). If you find yourself in a place that isn't challenging enough, you can often find opportunities to add to your responsibilities and challenge yourself with learning more. Additionally, if the job isn't challenging enough, you can add external activities like volunteering that can be fulfilling to you.
No matter what you choose, focus on what drives you as a person. When you find that drive/purpose at the center of your life, you can apply it to your search and find better fits for what you want to do with your future.
