It is crucial you don’t rush into making a career decision, as the choice you make can determine the rest of your life, such as your personal happiness, finances, and work-life balance.
Never pick a career based on a superb salary or a title alone, as it might not reflect your values or personality.
If you want to feel happy in your profession and look back on your life with zero regrets, read this helpful guide to picking a rewarding career.
Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Every professional will have both strengths and weaknesses. For example, an entrepreneur might have exceptional business acumen, but they could also have poor leadership skills they will need to work on to enjoy success.
If you want to find the right path for you, you must review both your strengths and weaknesses, so you can choose a career that complements your ability and skill set. For example, if you have a desire to improve a person’s health and wellbeing but have poor social skills, you might suit a behind-the-scenes healthcare career, such as a scientist or laboratory assistant.
Pursue Your Talents and Hobbies
If you have a much-loved hobby or talent, you could potentially turn it into a rewarding career. For example, if you can play one or more instruments, you could enjoy a satisfying career as a musician or a music teacher.
If you have a flair for sports, you could become a professional athlete, sports coach, physical therapist, or gym teacher. Think carefully about your hobbies and passion and select an avenue that matches your personality.
Consider Your Financial Goals for the Future
As stated, the career you select will determine the course of your life. If you have goals of owning a vacation home, expanding your property portfolio and paying for your children’s college education in the future, a job as a retail clerk will not be the best way to reach your financial goals. It is, therefore, important to consider whether a career will offer an opportunity to climb the ranks of an organization to build a healthy nest egg.
Identify Your Job Satisfaction Requirements
Before you accept a job offer, think carefully about your career values and what you need to feel satisfied in a position. For example, you must identify what matters more to you in a role, such as:
- Financial security
- Recognition from others
- A sense of satisfaction each day
While there are some careers that offer all the above, you might need to sacrifice on one or more of the above perks of a job.
Find a job that matches your wants and needs in a role. For example, if you want to embark on a position that will create a safer society for everyone and can provide you with a great sense of satisfaction each day, you should visit Laurier to learn how to become a border services officer.
Gain Experience in an Industry
Gaining experience in an industry will not only impress a potential employer, but it could help you to evaluate whether a job is the right option for you. Before you embark on a degree or apply for a permanent role, find a paid or unpaid internship or job shadow opportunity, which can provide a realistic insight into a day in the life of a professional.
Plus, the opportunity could help you to form connections with professionals, who could be integral to your success in the industry. If you cannot see yourself in the role for the next five to fifty years, an internship could prevent you from making a big mistake, so you can find an occupation that matches your personality.
Don’t Overlook Your Work-Life Balance
The occupation you select cannot only impact your finances, but it will also determine your work-life balance. For example, if you have goals of becoming an entrepreneur, nurse or surgeon, you must be prepared to work many hours per day with minimal breaks.
Your career could also take you away from your family and friends, so you must understand exactly what is involved in a career to ensure you will not become dissatisfied with a role in one or ten years’ time.
Create a Five-Year Career Plan
If you have decided on a vocation, you should establish a five-year plan, which can provide a direct route to success.
For example, you may need to:
- Gain the necessary qualifications
- Secure industry experience
- Grow your network
- Improve your knowledge and skillset
A five-year plan can outline the small steps you will need to take to obtain a career or climb the corporate ladder. So, whether you want to train as a doctor, open your own business, or rise through a company’s ranks, create a detailed plan to easily tick a goal off your list.
Have Patience
It is important not to be disheartened if an entry-level position doesn’t live up to your expectations. If you cannot see a future for yourself in a company or industry, you should view the job as a stepping stone and realize it is never too late to change your occupation.
The role also will not have been a waste of your time, as it has helped you to gain valuable work experience and could have diversified your growing skillset. Consequently, this could increase the likelihood of you being offered a superb position at another organization in a different field.
Conclusion
The occupation you pick can affect your life in a variety of ways, from determining your financial security to your quality of life. Rather than following in the footsteps of your friends or picking a career for its salary, you must identify whether it reflects your personality, values, and personal aspirations.
If it doesn’t, it is unlikely you will be 100% happy in a role in the near or distant future. So, find a career that matches your passions, strengths and core values, which will ensure you are skipping to and from work each day.
