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How do i know the career i chose is the right one for me ?

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Fred’s Answer

The simple answer is...you don't. You make your best guess based on what info you have. Then you try it. Most people will have several careers throughout their professional life. For example, I have been:

1) a stage/theatre technician (my degree is in theatre)
2) a retail store manager
3) Worked for an airline
4) was a high school math teacher
5) Worked in I.T. for the past 25 years.

Every experience helps prepare you for whatever is next. Even if you find the perfect career today, as a person you will evolve and change, so what works now will not be right in five (or ten) years.
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Jessica’s Answer

Hey Kim! That's a fantastic question!

The truth is, there's no definitive right or wrong choice. If you follow your passions, then a career in that area will suit you perfectly. But here's the best part - you're allowed to change your mind about your interests as you grow. You're not permanently tied to one career or field. Feel free to experiment and see how it works out! Remember, it's always possible to shift gears or transition to something new.

Consider your hobbies, abilities, lifestyle, and gaining practical experience. Have you ever tried an online personality-career match quiz? There's a plethora of them available for free on the web, and they're a fun way to explore potential career paths!
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Misa’s Answer

To ensure that the career you choose is the right fit for you, consider exploring internships, job shadowing opportunities, and informational interviews in your desired field. These experiences will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the profession and help you assess whether it aligns with your interests, skills, and values. You can also seek guidance from mentors, career counselors, and professionals in the industry can offer valuable perspectives to help you make an informed decision. Remember, it's okay to reassess your career path along the way as you continue to learn and grow.
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Brian’s Answer

Hi Kim! I will start with an explanation of how the answer may be different for different people depending on what their motivation is for working, and that answer may change over time as we mature. Then will try to more directly answer your question.

First, for some people a career may mean simply earning a living to support other passions in their life. For others, they may view their career as very central to their life and their true passion. Both are ok.

Second, we never stop growing and maturing throughout life so our perception of the "right career" when we are 25-30 years old may change to something different when we are 45-50 years old as we gain experience, develop new interests, and have changing life events. As you will see in the answers above, many people have had varied careers over time. You can do your best to choose a career based on what feels right at the time based on our interests / abilities, and then I would suggest researching. Research online, Talk to people who are in that career today and learning what a "day in the life" is like. Volunteer and apply for summer jobs at companies where you can be around the career path and look for internships. You will be surprised how many adults would be happy to share their experiences, good and bad, to help you learn.

Now to try to answer your question, "How do i know the career i chose is the right one for me ?". Once you are in a career/new job and have given it a fair chance...suggest a year to get a decent impression, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Each morning when I get up, do I look forward to work?
- When people ask me what I do for work, do I feel good / proud describing it to them?
- Am I learning new and interesting things regularly?
-Do I see a longer term path for growth that makes me feel good about my future?

Hope that helps and good luck! Brian
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Kathy’s Answer

Determining whether a career choice is right for you involves a mix of self-reflection, research, and practical experimentation. Here are some steps and considerations that might help you assess whether a particular career path aligns with your professional goals and personal values:

1. Self-Assessment
Interests: Identify what you are genuinely interested in. What topics or activities engage you the most? A career aligned with your interests is often more fulfilling.
Skills: Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. What are you good at? Consider careers that allow you to leverage your strengths.
Values: Understand what matters to you (e.g., work-life balance, helping others, intellectual challenge). Your career should not conflict with your core values.
Personality: Some careers are better suited to certain personality types. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Big Five personality traits assessment can provide insights.
2. Research
Industry Information: Look into the industries that interest you. Understand the market trends, the health of the industry, and future job prospects.
Role Expectations: Research what the day-to-day responsibilities of the roles entail. Job shadowing or informational interviews can provide firsthand insights.
Professional Pathways: Explore different career paths within an industry. Some roles may require specific educational backgrounds or certifications.
Cultural Fit: Consider the type of work environment you thrive in (e.g., startup vs. corporate). Company culture can significantly impact job satisfaction.
3. Education and Qualifications
Required Education: Check if your chosen career requires specific degrees or qualifications.
Continuing Education: Some fields require ongoing learning and certification renewals. Consider whether you are willing to commit to this.
4. Real-World Experience
Internships: An internship can provide a hands-on feel for the career. It’s a low-risk way to determine if a particular path is right for you.
Part-Time Jobs or Volunteering: Similar to internships, these can offer practical experience and help build networks.
5. Consultation and Networking
Mentorship: Speaking to someone established in the career can provide insights and advice that are not readily available through other sources
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Carie’s Answer

Choosing the right career is a significant decision and knowing whether you've made the right choice can be challenging. Here are some criteria and steps that can help you assess whether you are on the right career path:

1. Alignment with Core Values and Interests
Personal Values: Does your career align with what you consider most important, such as helping others, innovation, or financial stability?
Interests: Are you engaged and interested in the work you're doing? Does it feel more like a passion than just a job?

2. Job Satisfaction
Fulfillment: Do you feel fulfilled and satisfied at the end of the day? Does your job provide a sense of accomplishment?
Work Environment: Consider the culture of your workplace and your relationship with coworkers. A positive environment can significantly impact job satisfaction.

3. Professional Growth and Development
Learning Opportunities: Does your career offer opportunities for learning and growth? Are you able to expand your skills and knowledge?
Advancement Potential: Look at the potential for advancement within your field. Is there room to grow, or do you feel stagnant?

4. Work-Life Balance
Time Management: How well can you balance job responsibilities with personal life? Overwork can lead to burnout, affecting both job satisfaction and personal happiness.
Flexibility: Does your job offer flexibility in terms of hours or remote work options that suit your lifestyle needs?

5. Financial Rewards and Stability
Compensation: Does your job provide adequate financial compensation to meet your needs and lifestyle expectations?
Job Security: Consider the stability and future prospects of your industry. Are there concerns about job security?
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Ryan’s Answer

Hey Kim!

The short answer is - you really don't know until you try! Some people in life prepare and study for the 1 job they want to pursue, whereas others explore different options and try different experiences until they find one they like! If you're not sure where to start, ask yourself what classes do you enjoy taking at school? What are your strengths? What are your passions or hobbies? It could also be a good idea to get curious and ask your friends and family about what they enjoy doing or what kind of jobs they currently have/are looking to pursue. In the end, I think the "dream job" for most people in life is finding a way to make money off of what they love doing.

There will always be a mention about the journey and destination to get to where you want to be. However, I'd like to think the company (no pun intended) - the people you work with is what really makes the difference.

Don't be afraid to try out new experiences! Best of luck out there!
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Diana’s Answer

Hi there! I think the career you choose is right for you if you are finding fulfillment in your role. Fulfillment looks different for everyone, which makes it hard to describe. Some people find fulfillment in helping others, solving complex issues, making new discoveries, exploring, etc. I think it's important to find out what fulfills you in this stage of life, and if your career brings you that, I'd say you're on the right track. I think it is also important to find a career that will challenge you in a way to help you grow as a person and as a professional. Also, remember that what may be fulfilling for you now, may not be fulfilling later as we all go through different stages in our lives. At that point (or currently), if you feel your career becomes monotonous or no longer fulfilling, explore something new! We have so many vast opportunities at our fingertips, and it would be a true disservice to ourselves to not explore and find something truly fulfilling.
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Sharath’s Answer

In my opinion, there are no metrics to gauge if one has picked a right career for himself/herself, its very subjective and often difficult to realize.
Simple rule of thumb again in my opinion is if the work you do doesn't feel like a chore and you wake up every day excited to go to work and if its tracking with your career goals, that's what I would say comes close to the definition of a right career or a fulfilling one.
Do not do anything to satisfy others, do it if it gives you the kick.
I hope it makes sense and doesn't sound philosophical.
Good luck!
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Linda’s Answer

Good question. You will know the career is right for you when you enjoy going to work and like what you do. When you are working at a job that utilizes your skills, strengths and passion you will excel in your career. If you find that a job is not for you, decide if you want to look into other opportunities within the company or if it's time for you to make a move and explore externally. Even if you find out that a job is not for you after working there, it's still a good experience and what you learned from that job will be valuable and help to guide you to the right job and career path for you.

Also, once you start at a company find out if there's a mentor program at work that you can join or look to join a mentorship program relevant to your professional career and interests - this will provide a good resource, support and foundation as you grow your job into a dream career. Best of luck!
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Gerard’s Answer

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Jessica and Fred, it's not always immediately clear if you've made the right career choice.

Building on their advice, it's beneficial to regularly assess your "3P's". These are:
- Passions
- Purpose
- Proficiencies

A successful career for many is often about leveraging their skills and passions in a way that provides value to others, something they're willing to pay for.

You can further explore this concept through the Japanese term "Ikigai". A simple internet search will provide a helpful diagram illustrating how your three P's can be applied in your career.

Remember to relish the journey. Despite the potential challenges, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

Best of luck,
Gerard
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Vanessa’s Answer

Hi Kim-
2 words: internships and volunteering. By doing so you will be able to explore what professional are really doing out there in the field.

Sign up for those opportunities that sound interesting to you, but also give a chance to those you have second thoughts on. It will open up your mind and how you feel about a profession and if you would like to pursue it.

Also, always ask questions! Don't be afraid! All questions should be welcome! They help you learn and grow.

Good luck!
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Tricia’s Answer

You can truly say you've found the right career when you find joy in the work you do, enjoy the company of your colleagues, and appreciate the organization you're part of. If any of these elements don't resonate with you, it might be a signal to reassess and consider a shift.

Remember, your career path isn't etched in stone; it's designed to grow and transform as your interests and needs evolve over time. Desire for a career change doesn't necessarily imply you need to switch organizations. Large corporations often offer ample opportunities for career transitions without the need to leave.

If a career change is on your mind, explore your interests further by volunteering, job shadowing, or conducting informational interviews. Additional training might be necessary to facilitate your career transition.

Take my experience, for instance. I initially joined my company as a mechanical engineer. After a few years, I managed to transition into a marketing role following some extra training. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
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Naquanna’s Answer

Hi Kim,

No career journey is perfect, and as you continue to grow as an individual, your career interests may change over time. My advice would be to ask yourself, "What impact would I like to make in the world?" Your answer to this question may give you insight into the ideal career path for you. Additionally, your chosen career should energize you and fit your strengths in ways that other career options would not.
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