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do you regret your choice of what job you chose?
#job-market #job #first-job #jobs
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7 answers
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Carolyn’s Answer
Nope! I had a ton of different jobs in my career, especially when I was 15 - 25 that gave me skills that I was able to turn into future opportunities. I delivered newspapers, sold luggage, worked as a receptionist, etc., and they all ultimately gave me skills and responsibility that I kept turning into better jobs down the line. By the time I got out of school, my healthy resume helped open doors to me. Then I wandered around in industries and jobs for a long time.
Being happy in your job is largely about your perspective and attitude. Not all jobs are great, not all of them are good, but they all teach you something and help you advance toward (or away from) your next role.
One thing I would strongly encourage is that if you are looking at a career that requires specialized education like programming, medical, etc., then find intern and volunteer opportunities in that field first so you are CERTAIN you are heading down a path you will enjoy before making a large investment of time and money.
Being happy in your job is largely about your perspective and attitude. Not all jobs are great, not all of them are good, but they all teach you something and help you advance toward (or away from) your next role.
One thing I would strongly encourage is that if you are looking at a career that requires specialized education like programming, medical, etc., then find intern and volunteer opportunities in that field first so you are CERTAIN you are heading down a path you will enjoy before making a large investment of time and money.
thank you this was helpful
kenny
Updated
Terence’s Answer
I personally have not really regretted any job I've had. Even if it's something you didn't love doing, more than likely, there are lessons or experiences you can take away from it. At the minimum, you'll have discovered things that you don't enjoy doing at work, but you'll probably have more than that you can take away as positive learnings too.
When I have development discussions with team members, I center conversations around:
- what you like to do
- what you don't like to do
- what you're good at
Every job you have leads to an understanding of these questions. The better you can understand these, the more you can continue to develop your career path.
I'd also add that you're young enough in your career to fail a few times. It may sound like a weird concept, but it's basically to free you up to try new things or things that you may not have considered yet. Trying out different things leads to invaluable experience. When you're early in your career (and free of other potential responsibilities), you can afford to take a few more risks and still recover.
When I have development discussions with team members, I center conversations around:
- what you like to do
- what you don't like to do
- what you're good at
Every job you have leads to an understanding of these questions. The better you can understand these, the more you can continue to develop your career path.
I'd also add that you're young enough in your career to fail a few times. It may sound like a weird concept, but it's basically to free you up to try new things or things that you may not have considered yet. Trying out different things leads to invaluable experience. When you're early in your career (and free of other potential responsibilities), you can afford to take a few more risks and still recover.
Updated
Jacobo’s Answer
Hi Kenny,
I think every job you do serves some purpose. It might be difficult for you to connect the dots on why or how that job is contributing to your career path or helping you in that particular moment but even if it's a job that you don't like, and even if you don't see it in that particular moment, I am sure it's helping you. Maybe is just to understand that you don't want to do that kind of job anymore in the future. The things that you do and don't like hopefully teaches you a lesson and you learn to avoid that same type of job in the future. Every job will contribute to you getting better and progressing in your work life if you reflect on it and learn from it.
It's really difficult to learn if you don't fail and make mistakes; failing it's what makes you get better at things and improving to become the person that you want to be so, every job you do it plays significant role in your progression as a better person and a better professional.
Good luck in the future and all the best in your upcoming adventures!
Jacobo
I think every job you do serves some purpose. It might be difficult for you to connect the dots on why or how that job is contributing to your career path or helping you in that particular moment but even if it's a job that you don't like, and even if you don't see it in that particular moment, I am sure it's helping you. Maybe is just to understand that you don't want to do that kind of job anymore in the future. The things that you do and don't like hopefully teaches you a lesson and you learn to avoid that same type of job in the future. Every job will contribute to you getting better and progressing in your work life if you reflect on it and learn from it.
It's really difficult to learn if you don't fail and make mistakes; failing it's what makes you get better at things and improving to become the person that you want to be so, every job you do it plays significant role in your progression as a better person and a better professional.
Good luck in the future and all the best in your upcoming adventures!
Jacobo
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
It's a bit more complicated than if I do or do not regret a job. The answer is both for me. Each job I've had, I was thankful for some parts of the job and regretted other parts of taking the job. It's hard to land a job with no regrets whatsoever, and even then you are likely to have regrets from time to time. As you get older, you get the ability to see so many paths you could have taken, it's hard not to feel regret of some kind.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Kenny!,
Yes, I do regret some of my job choices. While I do love my current role, I have had jobs in the past where I was treated me poorly or where I was not truly growing toward my goals. The great thing is if you or I are dissatisfied with what we are doing - we can change it! When making a career change there are a few things to consider:
1. You are responsible for your own happiness - don't expect a job to provide it for you. No one is truly so enamored by their job that they love every minute of it. Conversely, no job is so horrible that there cannot by some enjoyment to be found. They key is to keep a positive attitude and be responsible for your own happiness.
2. If you decide that a career is not right for you first consider is it the career track or the job you are currently in that is the problem. For example, if you are a plumber do you hang up your tools and become an accountant or do you just need to find a different employer or work for yourself instead. Sometimes a full career change is needed - but typically job change will suffice. Doing your research before embarking on a career path is important to avoid a full stop. It would be a shame to spend years in school and the tuition associated with it to become a teacher (for instance) only to find out you hate the actually dealing with students.
3. Don't be a job hopper or job clinger. Constantly looking for the better job or a few addition dollars is tiresome and counter productive. Unless there is a significant reason to hop to a different job, doing your best where you are at will often derive the best results when it comes to career advancement. On the other hand, stubbornly clinging onto a job that is not a good fit, hoping that it will change, will only prevent you from achieving your potential and waste your time.
4. Know what you want. As job candidate you are 50% of the decision. That power to choose how you will spend your time and energies does not go away once you are hired. If your job does not or will not line up with your objectives you can change it. I would also suggest to be up front with your management on your career goals and aspirations. They can often help point you in the right direction or assign the projects you need to grow or qualify for promotion. Your manager can be a great asset and mentor but they likely cant do anything for you if you keep your objectives to yourself.
Good luck out there!
Yes, I do regret some of my job choices. While I do love my current role, I have had jobs in the past where I was treated me poorly or where I was not truly growing toward my goals. The great thing is if you or I are dissatisfied with what we are doing - we can change it! When making a career change there are a few things to consider:
1. You are responsible for your own happiness - don't expect a job to provide it for you. No one is truly so enamored by their job that they love every minute of it. Conversely, no job is so horrible that there cannot by some enjoyment to be found. They key is to keep a positive attitude and be responsible for your own happiness.
2. If you decide that a career is not right for you first consider is it the career track or the job you are currently in that is the problem. For example, if you are a plumber do you hang up your tools and become an accountant or do you just need to find a different employer or work for yourself instead. Sometimes a full career change is needed - but typically job change will suffice. Doing your research before embarking on a career path is important to avoid a full stop. It would be a shame to spend years in school and the tuition associated with it to become a teacher (for instance) only to find out you hate the actually dealing with students.
3. Don't be a job hopper or job clinger. Constantly looking for the better job or a few addition dollars is tiresome and counter productive. Unless there is a significant reason to hop to a different job, doing your best where you are at will often derive the best results when it comes to career advancement. On the other hand, stubbornly clinging onto a job that is not a good fit, hoping that it will change, will only prevent you from achieving your potential and waste your time.
4. Know what you want. As job candidate you are 50% of the decision. That power to choose how you will spend your time and energies does not go away once you are hired. If your job does not or will not line up with your objectives you can change it. I would also suggest to be up front with your management on your career goals and aspirations. They can often help point you in the right direction or assign the projects you need to grow or qualify for promotion. Your manager can be a great asset and mentor but they likely cant do anything for you if you keep your objectives to yourself.
Good luck out there!
Updated
M’s Answer
Hi Kenny! This is a great question! No I do not regret my first/current job. I majored in computer information systems/ business administration and interned in an IT Audit & Compliance position. I then landed a job at a big four accounting firm as a consultant. At this firm, I have been exposed to so many different industries, people, resources, and the experience here has been incredible thus far. The many different people I have gotten to work with have all been so kind and welcoming. I would recommend this job to anyone interested!
Updated
Taeyoun’s Answer
I do not regret any of my jobs. I have worked in software engineering for bit over a year and I enjoy the people and the work I do. Like Carolyn have answered, All the previous experience (for me was interning and working at cafes and etc) helped me to develop other skills like communication and time management. Also all the connection I made from those jobs were amazing. I suggest you not to be afraid of change and try different things.
I also agree with Carolyn about getting an internship in a new field that require specialized training. The learning period will take a lot of efforts and interning will help you to decide if you want to continue on with it or not.
Explore Explore Explore and don't be afraid of trying new things :)
I also agree with Carolyn about getting an internship in a new field that require specialized training. The learning period will take a lot of efforts and interning will help you to decide if you want to continue on with it or not.
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