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How do you know what profession will suit you?
I'm sure the last thing anyone would want is to be stuck with a job that they hate for the rest of their life.
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7 answers
Updated
Will’s Answer
This post is filled with excellent guidance, but the most impactful advice I've ever received is that our careers are shaped by the choices we make at different stages. Remember, you'll be working for approximately 40 years of your life, and it's likely that you'll experience a variety of roles during this period. If, after a few years, you realize that another career path might be a better fit, don't hesitate to enhance your skills and pursue that new direction! Even if you feel you've made an initial misstep with a job you chose, it's never too late to change course. Wishing you all the success in your journey!
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Edward’s Answer
What to you like to do, in terms of work you've experienced. If you didn't like previous work, what interests you most at this moment? Is that a profession that you might want to pursue for the rest of your like? Try to find something you would like to do for the rest of your life. Keep looking. Engage a job counselor who might suggest a career that is what you like or may like. After you find what you want to do, you might follow an associated field of interest. Don't wait! Start working NOW!
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eva’s Answer
Hi Saskia,
You're absolutely right which is why it is very important that you choose a career that you would enjoy. Here is a way to find out, make several lists from one to ten writing very truthfully.
1. Things that are interesting to you.
2. Things that you enjoy doing.
3. Things that you are good at doing.
4. Things that you think would make you happy in life and sad if you didn't have them.
5. Places you'd want to live.
And finally no. list needed, just a response. What kind of life do you envision for yourself?
This will help you realize for example if you want to be an archeologist but never like being outside of big cities, then it's probably not a great choice. Or if you like zen and peaceful environments then the city and a career in corporate in not a great idea.
I hope this helps a little...😊
Eva
You're absolutely right which is why it is very important that you choose a career that you would enjoy. Here is a way to find out, make several lists from one to ten writing very truthfully.
1. Things that are interesting to you.
2. Things that you enjoy doing.
3. Things that you are good at doing.
4. Things that you think would make you happy in life and sad if you didn't have them.
5. Places you'd want to live.
And finally no. list needed, just a response. What kind of life do you envision for yourself?
This will help you realize for example if you want to be an archeologist but never like being outside of big cities, then it's probably not a great choice. Or if you like zen and peaceful environments then the city and a career in corporate in not a great idea.
I hope this helps a little...😊
Eva
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Try to take classes across a wide range of subjects in high school and freshman year of college. Taking a variety of classes will give you a sample of different career paths and help you determine which will be best for you.
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Nathaniel P.’s Answer
The most honest response that many sincere people will provide is...you can't predict the future.
Our growth as humans is shaped by various stages of life, environments, relationships, and a myriad of highs and lows. It's not uncommon for a teenager to have a clear, confident self-perception and a strong sense of their desires. Yet, it's amazing how a few months or years can completely transform some or all aspects of these views!
So, take a moment to breathe...and then do it again.
Now, ponder about what matters to you right now. It could be as basic as breathing, food, or technology, or something more complex. Then, contrast this with what sparks your interest at this moment...what ignites your passion? Is there something that you could happily do all day because it brings you such joy?
Next, reflect on this: are any of these activities that you enjoy doing all day, every day, things you're actually skilled at? And be truthful! If math isn't your strong suit, pursuing a career as a doctor or rocket scientist might not be the best route. If you're allergic to plants, horticulture may not be your calling! But if you have a knack for drawing, shading, form, lines, and color, consider careers like architecture, graphic design, or even cake decorating.
Get the idea? Reflect on what you love and what you're good at. Then ask yourself, "Do I want to earn a living doing this?" or "Can I endure doing this for extended periods for someone else's gain?"
Here are some key points to remember: some people spend their entire lives without ever turning their passion into a profession, some endure jobs they dislike to fund the things they love, time has the power to change everything, and a little patience can go a long way!
Google what are the best jobs that will still be good 5, 10, or 20 years from now.
Ask teachers, friends, parents/guardians, most anyone (within reason) what they do and why.
Think about what you're good at, NOT what you're talented at.
Remember that a (college) degree can be laborious and expensive, while certification might be easier and more beneficial.
Our growth as humans is shaped by various stages of life, environments, relationships, and a myriad of highs and lows. It's not uncommon for a teenager to have a clear, confident self-perception and a strong sense of their desires. Yet, it's amazing how a few months or years can completely transform some or all aspects of these views!
So, take a moment to breathe...and then do it again.
Now, ponder about what matters to you right now. It could be as basic as breathing, food, or technology, or something more complex. Then, contrast this with what sparks your interest at this moment...what ignites your passion? Is there something that you could happily do all day because it brings you such joy?
Next, reflect on this: are any of these activities that you enjoy doing all day, every day, things you're actually skilled at? And be truthful! If math isn't your strong suit, pursuing a career as a doctor or rocket scientist might not be the best route. If you're allergic to plants, horticulture may not be your calling! But if you have a knack for drawing, shading, form, lines, and color, consider careers like architecture, graphic design, or even cake decorating.
Get the idea? Reflect on what you love and what you're good at. Then ask yourself, "Do I want to earn a living doing this?" or "Can I endure doing this for extended periods for someone else's gain?"
Here are some key points to remember: some people spend their entire lives without ever turning their passion into a profession, some endure jobs they dislike to fund the things they love, time has the power to change everything, and a little patience can go a long way!
Nathaniel P. recommends the following next steps:
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Agata’s Answer
Pursue subjects and careers that inspire and energize you. Find what truly excites you. Aim to find a balance between the financial rewards of the job and the benefits it brings to your quality of life, while also aligning with your personal interests.
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Arnauld P’s Answer
Lots of professions have started out from hobbies, activities and personal interests. Choose one that you can see yourself doing for a long time. The amount of training or schooling varies and pay or compensation is based on the skill level required need for that skill in the world. Find people in a profession you may be interested in and ask lots of questions. Reading about it is always good but talking to someone actually does the job will give so much more insight into what lies ahead along that pursuit. Personally, i love when people ask what i do because i love what i do. "If you do what you love then you'll never work a day in your life."
Read up on the profession and what it does day to day. You may like the profession but not the process.
In the digital world we live in there an ocean of sources to tap into for free. One is social media. Search for and join groups related to your interests, that way you're in direct contact with those in the field you may pursue.
Arnauld P recommends the following next steps: