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Life Massive Decision ?

How did you choose you professin?
Was it money?Passion?Parents?other?
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college-major career-counseling life cv23
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Subject: Career question for you
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Alex’s Answer

I've had many professions. It started with "do what you love" but, what you love may not always pay the bills or afford you the luxuries you want or need. I have been able to now have a profession that provides me many of the elements that I love. Solving problems, fast pace, managing people and resources and feeling accomplished at the end of my day.

So, my advice, figure out what you love, and try to find those components in a career that enables you to take care of your needs and wants.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This is really an invaluable advice! Manar
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Francis’s Answer

**Manar**, making life decisions can indeed feel massive and daunting. Each person's journey is unique, and the factors influencing career choices vary. While I don't have personal experiences or emotions, I can share insights into how people often make career decisions:

1. **Passion and Interest**:
- Many individuals choose their profession based on what they are passionate about. When you love what you do, work becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable.
- Ask yourself: What topics, activities, or fields genuinely excite you? What could you spend hours doing without feeling drained?

2. **Skills and Talents**:
- Consider your natural abilities and talents. Sometimes, our strengths guide us toward specific career paths.
- Reflect on your skills: What are you good at? What tasks come naturally to you?

3. **Values and Purpose**:
- Aligning your profession with your values and sense of purpose can lead to a meaningful career. Think about the impact you want to make in the world.
- Ask: What causes or issues matter to you? How can your work contribute positively?

4. **Financial Stability**:
- Money matters. While it shouldn't be the sole motivator, financial stability is essential. Consider the earning potential of different professions.
- Evaluate: Can your chosen path provide the lifestyle you desire?

5. **Family and Social Influence**:
- Sometimes, family expectations or societal norms play a role. Parents' advice, cultural background, and peer influence can shape decisions.
- Reflect on: How much do external expectations impact your choices?

6. **Education and Opportunities**:
- Education opens doors. Some professions require specific degrees or certifications.
- Explore: What educational paths are available to you? Are there growth opportunities?

7. **Exploration and Adaptability**:
- Be open to exploration. It's okay to try different roles and adjust along the way.
- Ask: Can you adapt to changes? Are you willing to learn and evolve?

Remember, Manar, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Trust your instincts, seek advice, and allow yourself room to grow. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every decision contributes to your story. 🌟
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Trudi’s Answer

So my first career was a paralegal which I chose because when I was in high school, my father was involved in an accident and I saw my mother go through a long court process. I wanted to help other families in similar situations. My second career is in disability claims management. I was feeling burned out as a paralegal and got a temp job as a legal secretary at a disability insurance company. They told me to get any other position, I would have to work in claims for a minimum of 3 years. I got a job in short term disability and from there moved over to long term disability and I have been doing this type of work for the past 16 years. I get to work 100% remotely and you are well paid with good benefits and lots of vacation time. So long story short, the first career, I really wanted to do it because it interested me and the second one, I just fell upon.
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James’s Answer

My parents never pushed any of their kids towards any particular career field. I worked many jobs between when I started until now (military, law enforcement, TV production, computers, sales, retail operations) . Now I do project management and like it. I work for a good boss and I get to organize projects I'm excited about.
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david’s Answer

Hi Manar, I agree that this is a big decision and friends and family all want to help. My first attempt at college was to major in music, because that was my mother's advice. That was a failure and was never an interest of mine, but I did later find an area of interest. My suggestion to you is to search for a career area that interests you, not because it pays well. Money alone will never make you content. Listen to parents because they want you to be happy in life, but you still need to consider your own interests (which I had failed to do). Life will present you with many career possibilities, some of which you never knew existed. For me, I had been a supervisor in a personnel department and several part-time workers also worked with computers. It was in talking with them that I became interested and eventually switched my career. You may not discover your primary interests in college, but you have many interests, and a suitable career will open up to you as you progress. Go for passion. You may never be rich, but you will always be content. All the best to you.
Thank you comment icon I am really thankful for your answer! The last line specially really got me :) I agree with you. In fact, I belive if you love what you do there will be always a chance to be rich! Manar
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Michelle’s Answer

Manar, I chose the field of work I wanted at a very early age. I transitioned between two careers, one in acting and one in social service work, but the acting was my first inspiration.

A beloved Aunt of mine used to take me to the movies a lot and I used to love television as a child. One day at the movies, even though I was about 5 or 6, I thought what I saw on that screen was what I was supposed to do. Telling a story through a character. Although I carried this throughtout my childhood, it wasn't until I was 18 that I had the opportunity to know my dream could be real.

I began being interested in social service work, helping people, when I was about 13 but didn't do anything about it. When I was 16, however, I volunteered as a peer counselor at a local Counseling Center in my small town. It proved to be effective for the clients as well as satisfying for me. I like to talk, so I was suited for this very verbal line of work.

As time went on, during and after college, I spent my time in theatre and acting. I transitioned to social services after about 12 or 13 years and spent 27 years in that field. Now I am back into acting. The cool thing is, both of those careers are age friendly and you can keep doing them as long as you can go ! It could never stop.

A lot of people do not get the idea about what they want to do until they are older. Many people are interested in more than one thing and find a way to incorporate their interests at the same time or at different periods of their life. Once a person grasps what they love, they need the environment that encourages them, lots of support and positive reinforcement.

No matter what you choose, you are needed there and you will be an important part of the community, the people and you will find satisfaction. Follow your dream and learn how to see discouragement as a challenge and lessons to be learned.
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Nathaniel’s Answer

I finally found my "dream" job was around 43. From lawnmowing, selling men's high fashion, camp counselor and director, surgical assistant, nursing, emergency room, director spinal cord independent living center, personal trainer, home health care, and chiropractor.

They all (yes even lawn care) added to my understanding of what I liked, hated, and enjoyed. I made sure I could pay my way, but also looked forward to life's doors opening and trusting myself to improve myself. All led me to a better me and found a place where I can change people's lives. That has been the center of my life
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This so inspiring! It doesn't matter how long it took you. The most important thing that you found what you really wanted eventually. Manar
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Manar,

My family bought me small telescopes as presents around 1970. I was going to be an astronomer but things changed my mind. I started programming computers in grade 11 physics class in 1972. What made me change my prerequisite to biochemistry?

It was not a decision based on money. It was based on People close to me getting sick and dying. I wanted to learn what had caused it so I could prevent it. The idea was with me to do medicine but I did not have a prerequisite, senior chemistry. I did a biological chemistry bachelor's degree at a new university. What influenced me was my late uncle's old supervisor Professor Colin Masters started lecturing in biochemistry at our university.

Biochemistry was already in the family. By 1994 I combined computer programming with nutrition and dietetics and started writing software that made and analyzed food menus for people. Cardiovascular disease had caused me plenty of grief. I did not qualify as a dietitian early enough to help my family.

Always follow your heart in making career decisions, not money. It is no good doing what you do not enjoy just for the money. If you are like me you will want to help People. All of the Greek relatives were dying early. My father followed suit too. I became a dietitian in 1988 and helped thousands of patients with health problems.

God Bless You,
JC.
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Sophie’s Answer

Manar,
I feel so strongly about your career should not be determined by money, parents, or anything else other than a passion for what you do. I do understand most of the time just working and making money now to pay bills is more important. However, while you're working you can still be concentrating on your passions and career role.
Most people work at least 40 hours a week and spend so much time at work, so work should be a place that makes you happy and something you're passionate about. Working a career role that means something to you will affect not only your health but your entire well-being in life. Take some time to meditate on what makes you happy and excites you while making a difference in your community.
I always suggest not settling on just a job that you don't look forward to every day.
Hope this helps
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Joseph’s Answer

Great question, so here is the story. I actually went to North Carolina and majored in Physical Education because I wanted to be a Gym teacher. After partying and more partying I had to drop out. Before I knew it my Mom was waking me up and telling me to go up to the University near our house and major in computers because that was new thing at that time. As I continued in the major I began to like the challenge of resolving solutions and seeing things work. I have been in the field for many years and love it. So my advise is to make sure you choose something you love and the reward will be awesome.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing you experience! I really liked that you didn't give up on pursing your studies just because you didn't make it in one major! I am so glad you found what you love and doing great in it! Wish you more succes always! Manar
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Rich’s Answer

Generally, the best indicator of what you will like to do in the future, is what you like to do now. What do you choose to do now in your spare time? Do you like being outdoors? Cooking? Working on a computer? Tutoring others? Writing? Building things? Start there and see where it takes you. Passion in what you are doing is the most important element of success in any career!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice! I really like how you explained and simplified where to start from. Manar
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Poonam’s Answer

Hi, my friend Manor,

My parents decided engineering field. I cleared the Junior Engineering test after high school at my parent's request and got into three years of the electronics and communication program. Right after the course, I was asked to get a job, but then it was my wish to do an undergrad.. and since then, I have never looked back. I got into job after undergrad and while doing my job, I was inclined towards management studies... and then I got into MBA..
So when you are unsure, ask your teachers, mentor(if you don't have one, find one), and peers.. what are you good at ... maybe that will help you to find what works best..and then try it out.. :-)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your experience! Manar
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