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How to know if your career is meant for you?
What is the best way to know a career or job is for you?
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12 answers
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
There are a few signs that may indicate whether or not a career is meant for you. If you are passionate about the work you are doing, it is more likely that you have found the right career for you. If your skills align well with the tasks and responsibilities required for a particular career, that's a good indication that it's a good fit for you. If your values align with the company or industry you are working in, it can make for a more fulfilling and satisfying career. If you feel satisfied with your job and enjoy going to work, it's likely that you have found the right career for you. If you feel that you are growing personally and professionally in your career, it is likely a good fit for you. It's important to note that finding the right career can take time and may involve experimentation and trying out different roles and industries. Keep in mind that it's okay to change career paths if you find that it's not right for you.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I emphasize the following, when I am asked this question:
If you love what you are doing, that even if they did pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway, then you are in the right job.
This comes from having the right mentors, promotional opportunities, department resources, and managers who are industrious, honest, and enthusiastic. Basically the right environment where you can achieve your personal goals and the goals of the organization.
If you love what you are doing, that even if they did pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway, then you are in the right job.
This comes from having the right mentors, promotional opportunities, department resources, and managers who are industrious, honest, and enthusiastic. Basically the right environment where you can achieve your personal goals and the goals of the organization.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Alex:
If your job is fulfilling and your work is respected and valued, that’s how you know a career or job is for you. It may take a few job or career changes to find, but you’ll eventually find it!
If your job is fulfilling and your work is respected and valued, that’s how you know a career or job is for you. It may take a few job or career changes to find, but you’ll eventually find it!
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Alex,
The best way is to look into several careers. If your school offers a "career day" definitely attend. This will give you a sneak peek and allow you to talk to professionals in a particular field. Also, find out what interests you and possibly look into internships at companies in your area. You can find this out by contacting the human resources departments at a particular company. You may have several jobs before you find out one that you enjoy going to on a daily basis. Remember to look for a career and not just a job.
Lastly, look into your local building trade organizations and see if they have internships and apprenticeship programs in your area.
Good luck to you.
The best way is to look into several careers. If your school offers a "career day" definitely attend. This will give you a sneak peek and allow you to talk to professionals in a particular field. Also, find out what interests you and possibly look into internships at companies in your area. You can find this out by contacting the human resources departments at a particular company. You may have several jobs before you find out one that you enjoy going to on a daily basis. Remember to look for a career and not just a job.
Lastly, look into your local building trade organizations and see if they have internships and apprenticeship programs in your area.
Good luck to you.
Updated
Dr. Fola’s Answer
In addition to what others above have stated, if you are eager to wake up every work day to go to work, then, that is likely an indication of passion for that job/career.
Updated
Madalyn’s Answer
Good question! I've often felt careers were "meant for me" before I got into those careers and realized I didn't love them as much as I thought I would. Sometimes I think it's just a matter of being open to trying different careers and finding what you love along the way. I've made two major career changes and I'm sure I will have many more in the future. It's OKAY to change jobs and to continue searching for a job that fuels your fire. It's okay not to settle for a job that other people think is a dream job, if it doesn't feel like a dream job to you. You will grow and change immensely in the years as you age, your job might need to grow and change too!
I also want to call out - a career may never feel like it was MEANT for you. I have yet to find a job that feels like it is the most fulfilling thing in my life, and I have realized it doesn't have to be. I find my fulfillment in friendship, fitness, hanging out with my family, and traveling. I realized as long as I enjoy my job enough, I can find what feels "meant for me" outside of work. YOU are not your career. Do not associate your worth, passion, or successes just by your career :)
I also want to call out - a career may never feel like it was MEANT for you. I have yet to find a job that feels like it is the most fulfilling thing in my life, and I have realized it doesn't have to be. I find my fulfillment in friendship, fitness, hanging out with my family, and traveling. I realized as long as I enjoy my job enough, I can find what feels "meant for me" outside of work. YOU are not your career. Do not associate your worth, passion, or successes just by your career :)
I agree with everything in the second paragraph! I love my job with my whole heart, but I love my non-work life even more. You should enjoy your job but it doesn't need to be the end all, be all of your life
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Afshawn’s Answer
If you feel inspired, look forward to going to work every day, that's a great indication you are in the career that's right for you. Careers can also change over time as you find new passions along your journey. Remember nothing is every permanent and if the career you felt was right for you is no longer fulfilling you can always pivot into something you are more passionate about.
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Elizabeth A’s Answer
If you wake up most mornings, are you excited about going to work? If the answer is yes most days, you are headed in the right direction. If the answer is no most days, you should rethink and explore other options!
Think about all the things that interest you and align with your core values, what are you passionate about? Do you like to build, help, educate, communicate, politics, law, etc.? Then explore the different fields; Architecture, engineering, computers, gardening, athletics, food, finances, marketing, medicine, or legal. Make a list of the most desirable to the least, and then, pursue getting involved in that field, by looking for opportunities in the field; volunteering, internship, or shadowing programs. Build a network with others to explore the different career options. Having a network of others is invaluable, for support, and guidance, you never know who may help you and who you will be able to help, not just in the current situation but long term down the road!
Elizabeth Gibson
Verizon Communication
Think about all the things that interest you and align with your core values, what are you passionate about? Do you like to build, help, educate, communicate, politics, law, etc.? Then explore the different fields; Architecture, engineering, computers, gardening, athletics, food, finances, marketing, medicine, or legal. Make a list of the most desirable to the least, and then, pursue getting involved in that field, by looking for opportunities in the field; volunteering, internship, or shadowing programs. Build a network with others to explore the different career options. Having a network of others is invaluable, for support, and guidance, you never know who may help you and who you will be able to help, not just in the current situation but long term down the road!
Elizabeth Gibson
Verizon Communication
Updated
Brian’s Answer
A job can change drastically 6 months, a year, 3 years down the line depending on the industry and the management. What makes a good career in my opinion is either one of two things:
1) Enables you to do cool things while you work
2) Enables you to do cool things AFTER you're done working (for the day, week, whatever)
If you want to do paid humanitarian work and help people as an occupation that could fall under point 1. If you just want a job that leaves you alone after work so you can do the things you really like to do, that falls under point 2. The details typically aren't super important; it comes down to your priorities in life and how your career allows you to meet them.
1) Enables you to do cool things while you work
2) Enables you to do cool things AFTER you're done working (for the day, week, whatever)
If you want to do paid humanitarian work and help people as an occupation that could fall under point 1. If you just want a job that leaves you alone after work so you can do the things you really like to do, that falls under point 2. The details typically aren't super important; it comes down to your priorities in life and how your career allows you to meet them.
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
If you wake up and you are excited to go to your job and feel passionate about what you are doing, then most likely you found your career. When your values and the company you are working for values are aligned is another way you know you are in the right career.
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Taking a career test is probably the easiest way to figure out the perfect job for you. There are a lot of career assessments that are readily available online and are intended to guide you in choosing a career path. It is important you understand which type of career test you are taking.
https://brainmanager.co/career-test?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=career_test&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiaz6s6v3_AIV8zizAB2MGwPPEAAYASAAEgInDvD_BwE
https://careerquiz.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiaz6s6v3_AIV8zizAB2MGwPPEAAYAiAAEgLb-fD_BwE
https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz
Aisha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Julia’s Answer
First and foremost - It is OKAY to change your career path. Personal growth, changes in interests, and life events can all impact job satisfaction. Self-reflection and regularly reassessing your career goals can help ensure you are on the right path for you.