Do you ever stop to question whether or not you’re on the right career path?
Everyone talks a lot about how much of a struggle job hunting can be.
And while most people who agree that it’s a struggle are typically referring to the crazy, unpredictable maze that includes applying, researching, preparing and interviewing for whatever decent job opportunities they can get their hands on. However, a huge part of why looking for a job can be such as struggle is the fact that, sometimes you don’t even know WHAT you should be looking for! If you’ve ever felt that feeling, it’s not unheard of to think to yourself:What job is actually right for my next step in life?
Finding your perfect career won’t happen overnight, and it may take time to really find the right trajectory for you. You might even be thinking, “How do I even know what the right career is?”
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or confused, don’t worry. Here are some easy steps you can take toward discovering the career that will truly satisfy you.
Find a combination of a career that taps into your passion as well as one that will be viable in the future.
Take career assessments.
Career assessment can give you valuable information about your interests, values, and skills as they relate to the world of work. Assessment gives you information about yourself and what types of work environments would probably suit you. A career assessment isn’t a shortcut; it’s a tool. It’s up to you to use it.
Make a list of your options.
Whether you know exactly what you want to do or not, knowing how to get there is tricky. In order to find your dream career, you need to carefully sort through your options in order to find the best route.
Make a list of all your options, whether those are tangible job opportunities, education, or career paths. Once you have everything written down, you can parse out what isn’t exactly right, and narrow your goals. Try to create as many options for yourself, so you have plenty to choose from. You can also rank your options from best to worst, and even combine some that may be similar.
Look for overlap.
What you’re good at, what companies need, and what you like to do might all be different, but it’s important to try to find the overlap between the three. That’s how you find your optimal career path. Rather than looking at job titles, consider your interests, hobbies, and skills, and then work out how those translate.When you’re wondering “what career is right for me?” it’s best to think about the intersection between what you’re good at, what organizations need done and what you enjoy doing.
While you’re at it, look back at your previous experiences to inform your future. What did you enjoy doing in previous jobs? What did you dislike? Knowing your values, passions, and skills will help you understand what kind of career you should pursue. And being alert of these factors means you can actively seek out careers that require your specific talents.
Research and Network.
Whether you’re actively searching for a new career, or just trying to get a sense of what path you should be on, networking is a great way to dip your feet in the waters. The more people you meet, the more insight you can get into what the work environment is like, what the people are like, and how they enjoy the work. And if you are looking for that next job, networking is crucial. If you know someone in a field you’re thinking about, ask if they’ll have a short coffee with you (your treat) to discuss the day-to-day duties of the job. Interviewing itself is another good way to figure out what career is right for you. The easiest way to discover what the right career for you is to listen, really listen to the right voices.
Ask a mentor.
Never underestimate the value and power of a good mentor!
The right mentor will give you guidance and help boost your career.
Finding your dream career isn’t easy, and the path can be scary. I remember it well. But just because it’s daunting doesn’t mean it’s not worth it! Think about how much time you’ll spend at work in your lifetime. You want to make sure you’re using your time to your advantage, by pursuing a career that makes you happy, aligns with your values, utilizes your talents, and more.
Finally, ask yourself what is important to you in a career?
Another way of looking at this is: how do you define ‘success’ when it comes to a potential career?
In answering this question, strip away what your parents believe, what your teachers told you, what your friends and colleagues are doing. Go back to basics and define what’s important to YOU.
You’ll want to consider things like: location, schedule, the type of work, how much money you want to earn, the kind of people you’re working with, the level of autonomy, how much learning you want to have on the job.
For example, is it important to be able to have a flexible work arrangement so that you can spend time with your young family? Do you want to be able to work independently, or express your creativity freely? Is it a dream of yours to travel extensively, either with work or between jobs? As you list these criteria, think carefully about which of these are non-negotiable, and which are ‘nice to have’ but not essential.
For job seekers, it can be hard to figure out if a career path is the right one. Maybe you have tried several jobs already and not found one that ‘clicked.’ If that is the case, take a look at a few key factors to determine what career is right for you.
Interactions
The amount of contact you have with co-workers, customers, and the public at large can be a big factor in deciding if a career is a good fit for you. If you are a ‘people person,’ then sitting in a cubicle all day managing data is not going to be satisfying long-term. On the other hand, if you prefer to concentrate on details and not deal with many people, make sure you are not taking on a customer service role – you will burn out in a few months.
Growth potential
When looking at a career, focus on more than just the short-term. Yes, you need a job now, but make sure you are looking for a position that has advancement potential. Look at job descriptions for your dream job – the one you hope to have someday and retire from. What kind of qualifications and experience does it require? Will the jobs you are looking at, fulfill those requirements?
You have the power to get there, and now you have the tools to get started.
Are you ready?
