Irma
How do I know what career I should choose?
Everyone always picks career ideas based off how much money they make. I'm not worried about money. I'm worried about my overall happiness and whether or not I will actually find enjoyment and passion in the job that I have. #worried #advice #nervous #help
2 answers
Hanna Legrand, MBA
Hanna’s Answer
This is a tough question to answer. I agree with your points above. Doing something that makes you happy is extremely important to your mental health and ultimately your success. There are so many career paths to choose from and none of them look alike! It might help to start a journey and write down what your interests and dislikes are. This can help narrow down where you see yourself. I would also take notice and inquire about others careers. For instance - ask your aunts/uncles, teachers, parents etc what they like and dislike about their jobs. Once you have a base to compare it will help paint the larger picture. Not everyone knows where they want to be in their career and these things have a way of working themselves out. I am 33 and still navigating my career path - it is ever changing! An online quiz might also help :)
Best of luck!
Hanna
Nodira Ismoilova, J.D.
Nodira’s Answer
Irma, this is a very important question and you seem to be approaching it the right way. We spend quite a bit of our life working and thus should do what makes us happy. Being happy at work and having a passion for what you do will increase your impact. However, it is also important to remember that as we become adults, our financial responsibilities grow. Though it is important to first consider what makes you happy, value should be given to whether your earnings will support your lifestyle. As a lawyer, I would love to help people for free (pro bono) but I also have bills and retirement to consider. Thus, I tried to find a career that makes me happy and had to be creative in how to maximize on the financial opportunities associated with such career. Now I work for a great firm, I do what I love, and I help people for free in my spare time. It is a tough decision and I wish you all the best!