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What made you pick this career and stay in it?

I am at the point where I have to start looking into what I want to do and I just have so many options, I need a little guidance.

nursing psychology career-choice children child-psychology child-development
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Paul’s Answer

Basically, I love what I do so much, that even if they did not pay me to do it, I would still do it anyway.

I cannot wait to get into the office each morning, and I am always the last to leave in the evening.

Find something that you love to do. If you do, then you will do it well, and it becomes a privilege to serve those you work with.
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Victoria’s Answer

If you're on a quest for the perfect career, consider reading the book "What Color is Your Parachute". This guide will walk you through a series of exercises designed to help you discover a career that not only ignites your passion, but also aligns with your life's goals. Picture this as a Venn diagram, with the intersecting section representing your ideal job. This approach has personally kept me rooted in my current profession. It's a dynamic and fascinating field that harmoniously blends with my hobbies and interests beyond the workplace.
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Billy’s Answer

My father was in the oil field industry and he traveled and was rarely home. His advice to me was to pick a career that no matter what the economy was doing you could always have a job. So I chose to become an EMERGENCY medical technician. There was 3 levels of training. The first level was Basic EMT and the course was only 3 months then you could begin working. Then once you had 1 year experience you could go to Intermediate EMT school which is considered advanced life saving. Then again after 1 year experience as Intermediate Emt then you could go to Paramedic school. So in as little as 2 and 1/4 years you are a Nationally Registred EMT Paramedic. And my father was right in 42 year career I always had a job.
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Amy’s Answer

Choosing a career in nursing was my way of dedicating my life to the service of others. This decision was inspired by my own experience as a 13-year-old hospital patient during the festive Christmas season. The kindness and care I received from the nurses left a lasting impression, and one nurse, in particular, became a mentor as I grew older and started considering nursing as a profession.

Nursing is truly an art form, where the canvas is the human spirit and the paint is compassion. If you find fulfillment in helping others, nursing could be your calling. It's a demanding job, but the rewards are immeasurable. As a nurse, you become a beacon of hope for people in their most vulnerable moments, whether it's post-operative care, working in a clinic, or educating patients about new diagnoses. You are the compassionate soul who guides them through their healing journey.

My nursing journey has taken me through various settings - from orthopedics in a hospital, to diabetes education, to youth camps, and now to occupational health at the world's largest entertainment company. Each stage of my career has been a rewarding adventure, tied together by a common thread of caring.

Yes, nursing can be tough. You may find yourself dealing with end-of-life situations, working long hours, skipping meals, and always being on your feet. Some days or shifts can be challenging, but when nursing is your calling, you find the strength to persevere. Your colleagues become your second family, supporting each other through long hours, weekends, and holidays.

As you explore your career options and decide on your educational path, I wish you all the best. Remember, the journey may be tough, but the destination is worth every step.
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Marlena’s Answer

Growing up, my maternal grandfather had many illnesses, addiction, cancer, etc. I watched as he struggled through rehab after rehab for alcoholism, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, surgeries that ended up removing his tongue, jawbone, part of his lips, watched as he used a tracheostomy to breathe due to all he had been through and surgically removed. My mom, dad, paternal grandparents went through many illnesses too. But my maternal grandfather was a fireman, chief, etc. He had a huge library with nothing but law and medical books! I read them upon his request, and was given three options: become a lawyer, doctor, or nurse! I chose nurse! It's been over 21 years and plus that in Healthcare alone! I love what I do, love helping others in all kinds of ways. It warms my heart and makes the hard work of Nursing all worth it if I can make a difference, in any way, for one person! I go home with no guilt, feel good about doing all I could do, even if it was a bad day. It's stressful, a lot of hard work, responsibility, but it's all worth it! Now, going through all I have, I decided to slightly redirect my course, but could not stand the thought of leaving the nursing profession! Now I'm pursuing my psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification because where I live, SE NM, it is a huge need and very under served area of Healthcare. Nursing is rough, and you don't make as much money as you'd think you do based on all you do every day, but it is so worth it!

Marlena recommends the following next steps:

Nursing vs other professions
Nursing programs
Areas of expertise in nursing
Nursing options
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Dawn’s Answer

It's normal to feel uncertain about a long-term career or future. Remember, your initial choice isn't set in stone. Many people shift their majors or careers, exploring different paths as they grow personally and professionally. I started out wanting to be a marine biologist or an environmental lawyer. Life happened and I shifted focus into psychology & behavioral change. Many , many years on and I still joke that I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. So in the mean time I am a consultant who gets to work on a variety of cool projects with diverse people leveraging a multitude of skills I have accumulated over the years driven by curiosity and a learning mindset.

Choosing a career is about aligning with your values and what you wish to contribute to the world. It's okay to start in one direction and find your true calling elsewhere. There is a great resource - " What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success". by Richard N. Boles. This book has been around for many years and still one of the best resources out there. It has been updated in 2022 and still relevant today. There are a number of workbooks and related materials available that leverage the content and help you explore what you want to do.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey Lucy!

Setting Your Career Compass

Deciding on a career path is a monumental choice that can steer the direction of your life. It's crucial to ponder over various elements when making this decision, like your hobbies, abilities, principles, and future ambitions. Here are some steps to assist you in steering through this journey:

Self-Exploration: Kick-off by assessing your strong points, areas for improvement, interests, and values. Think about what activities leave you feeling accomplished and invigorated. Reflect on your past experiences to spot trends and preferences.

Investigate Career Possibilities: Delve into diverse industries and professions to get a clearer picture of the options out there. Consider the job prospects, potential for growth, and how they align with your skills and interests.

Get Advice: Chat with professionals in sectors that pique your interest. Networking and informational interviews can offer precious insights into various careers. Also, think about getting advice from career counselors or mentors who can provide unbiased guidance.

Education and Training: Figure out if your dream career needs specific education or training. Look into the academic courses or certifications required to chase your chosen profession.

Work-Life Harmony: Reflect on how your career choice will influence your overall life quality. Consider aspects like work hours, flexibility, and opportunities for advancement.

Passion and Purpose: Pinpoint careers that resonate with your passions and sense of purpose. Finding purpose in your work can lead to increased job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Future Goals: Reflect on how your chosen career aligns with your long-term dreams. Evaluate whether the profession offers chances for growth, skill enhancement, and personal satisfaction.

Sticking to Your Career Path

Once you've picked a career path, sticking to it involves persistent dedication, growth, and adaptability. Here are some key elements that can help sustain commitment in your chosen career:

Lifelong Learning: Adopt an attitude of lifelong learning and skill enhancement. Keep abreast of industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements relevant to your field.

Networking: Foster professional relationships within your industry through networking events, conferences, and online platforms. Building a robust network can pave the way for new opportunities and collaborations.

Work-Life Harmony: Aim to uphold healthy work-life harmony to avoid burnout and maintain long-term career engagement.

Goal Setting: Establish clear short-term and long-term goals related to your career growth. Regularly check your progress and make tweaks as required.

Adaptability: In today's fast-paced job market, adaptability is key to staying relevant in your chosen field. Welcome change and be ready to pick up new skills as needed.

Passion for Impact: Discover ways to connect with the broader impact of your work. Understanding how your contributions make a difference can boost motivation and commitment.

Mentorship: Connect with mentors or role models who can offer guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their own industry experiences.

Top 3 Trustworthy Reference Publications:

Harvard Business Review: Known for its insightful articles on leadership, management practices, career growth, and industry trends.
Forbes: Offers extensive coverage of business news, entrepreneurship, leadership insights, and career-related content from industry experts.
The Muse: Provides valuable resources for career exploration, job search strategies, workplace advice, and personal development tips tailored to professionals at various career stages.
These sources were used to provide authoritative insights into career decision-making processes and strategies for maintaining commitment in one's chosen profession.

On a personal note, I was on track to be an astronomer, but unexpected losses in my family shifted my affinity for physics and mathematics, leading me to pursue biochemistry, organic chemistry, nutrition, then dietetics.

Take care and God bless, James!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest and identify the related careers
E.g. would you like to be Paediatrics Nurse, Kindergarten or Primary School teacher, Child psychologists, school counsellor, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have interest
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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