3 answers
Jhohalter
Student
Palmer, Alaska
1
Question
Updated
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What is way to figure out if one job is the right one for you if you have other choices that are related??
trying to find the right job after a career path
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3 answers
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
49
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
This isn’t easy nor is it simple and straight forward. I have made three job changes in three years all related to personal circumstances I will not be explaining here. However they are the motivation to make a change not a factor in deciding what to do or how to do it. Should a personal circumstance be the reason for a career change try as the situation allows to separate it from the choice between two career paths. For me I left one job to stop traveling but lost my status/tenure (ie new person on block) as a subject matter expert in next field. Then I left the next position to climb corporate ladder but I lost (ie don’t use) my technical nature in the next field. Last change was to work near home but I lost my position on the corporate ladder. Point here isn’t to say a move is bad or that you always lose something. It is to say that everything go has a cost (late hours costs time but may give compensation, compensation costs production in terms of stress or travel, etc….). Know what you want in your next job, know what you will be giving up or not keeping or not getting and make sure the time and pay are worth the trade. Sorry for an opened answer but it’s your situation and you will know best….
Last thing “ nothing is permanent” may take time to change but to should be able to redo almost any of it as long as you aren’t making a mess on way out.
Last thing “ nothing is permanent” may take time to change but to should be able to redo almost any of it as long as you aren’t making a mess on way out.
Brian Baptista
Financial Accounting
9
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Jhohalter,
That's a great question to ask...but also a hard answer to give. I would say that determining career satisfaction for myself is in part what I do, but also, with what industry, with what type of people, what company, etc . I am a finance/accounting person so I have done numerous jobs in that field for a few different companies.
My first "career" job I worked with a very large retailer. It was a very fun environment, lots of interactions, lots of opportunities. Lots of people my age. But my day was 7-7 everyday and it wore me down. I held 3 different roles there over 5 years.
My next job I worked for a very small packaging and distribution company. While it was doing similar work, the company though was very small, people around me were unhappy, thinking was not progressive, and there was little team work. There was no opportunity for growth. I stayed there for maybe one year before an employment head hunter tracked me down.
My current telecommunications company I have been with for 21 years and probably won't leave until I retire. I still do work in finance and accounting and over that time, I have done 8 different jobs. My career satisfaction has more to do with my company as much as it has to do with my everyday job. My company welcomes their employees taking on new roles and trying something different. It rewards me and recognizes me for the work I have done and the contributions I have made. People collaborate all the time and there is so much learning that can happen amongst teams. There is always a new challenge and ways to develop yourself.
There are a of of paths to take when it comes to finding the "right" career. In my case, it is the right company as much as it is the right job. I'm sure the next folks who respond to your question will have their own stories and experiences to share. Just don't think there is one right way to approach this. Give yourself some targets, go after them, and see where it takes you. Only you can decide what job and situation resonates with how it makes you feel internally. Just don't pigeon hole yourself into one thing. You just don't want to regret not trying something even if it ends up not being what you thought. Good luck !
That's a great question to ask...but also a hard answer to give. I would say that determining career satisfaction for myself is in part what I do, but also, with what industry, with what type of people, what company, etc . I am a finance/accounting person so I have done numerous jobs in that field for a few different companies.
My first "career" job I worked with a very large retailer. It was a very fun environment, lots of interactions, lots of opportunities. Lots of people my age. But my day was 7-7 everyday and it wore me down. I held 3 different roles there over 5 years.
My next job I worked for a very small packaging and distribution company. While it was doing similar work, the company though was very small, people around me were unhappy, thinking was not progressive, and there was little team work. There was no opportunity for growth. I stayed there for maybe one year before an employment head hunter tracked me down.
My current telecommunications company I have been with for 21 years and probably won't leave until I retire. I still do work in finance and accounting and over that time, I have done 8 different jobs. My career satisfaction has more to do with my company as much as it has to do with my everyday job. My company welcomes their employees taking on new roles and trying something different. It rewards me and recognizes me for the work I have done and the contributions I have made. People collaborate all the time and there is so much learning that can happen amongst teams. There is always a new challenge and ways to develop yourself.
There are a of of paths to take when it comes to finding the "right" career. In my case, it is the right company as much as it is the right job. I'm sure the next folks who respond to your question will have their own stories and experiences to share. Just don't think there is one right way to approach this. Give yourself some targets, go after them, and see where it takes you. Only you can decide what job and situation resonates with how it makes you feel internally. Just don't pigeon hole yourself into one thing. You just don't want to regret not trying something even if it ends up not being what you thought. Good luck !
Misha D'Andrea
Learning + Development
41
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Misha’s Answer
You always have choices, I think that is what is important to remember. There is never going to be only one perfect job ever. I encourage you to keep in mind a few things as you start to navigate your career:
1. Your first job will not be your last job, do not feel pressure to find your dream job right away. Give yourself time to explore and learn what is out there that might be a good fit
2. There will always be something to learn - even if it's that the job/industry is not the one for you! As long as you continue to learn and grow in a position and it aligns with your values, you have something to gain in that space
3. It is okay if things change - your interests or passions may change, or maybe even just life circumstances. Don't feel trapped just because what once was your dream job no longer is. Lean into change and what that might bring for you.
Some things to consider are:
- what does the day-to-day of the role look like?
- are there growth opportunities that I am interested in?
- does the companies values align with my own? are their multiple companies where I could be successful in a role like this?
- does the industry align with my values? in many cases, similar roles can be found across companies and industries. what does that look like for you?
1. Your first job will not be your last job, do not feel pressure to find your dream job right away. Give yourself time to explore and learn what is out there that might be a good fit
2. There will always be something to learn - even if it's that the job/industry is not the one for you! As long as you continue to learn and grow in a position and it aligns with your values, you have something to gain in that space
3. It is okay if things change - your interests or passions may change, or maybe even just life circumstances. Don't feel trapped just because what once was your dream job no longer is. Lean into change and what that might bring for you.
Some things to consider are:
- what does the day-to-day of the role look like?
- are there growth opportunities that I am interested in?
- does the companies values align with my own? are their multiple companies where I could be successful in a role like this?
- does the industry align with my values? in many cases, similar roles can be found across companies and industries. what does that look like for you?