Finding a Career Path That is Right For You

If you're not content with your career, you can't be content with your life. When you work full-time, you spend at least 40 hours each week in the office. You deserve to be happy for that time, which means you need the right career. For a little help finding the best career, keep reading.

Don't Rush Into Anything

If you have a bad day at work, you might suddenly feel the urge to quit and run away. But making the decision to change career paths or quit your job isn't one to take lightly. You should take time to consider what your career goals are and how you can achieve them.

After a rough day in the office, take a few days for self-reflection. What do you want from your job on a daily basis? And what do you see yourself doing in the future? If you're truly unhappy with your present and your future, it might be time to switch careers.

If you're straight out of high school or college, you should follow the same advice. There's no need to rush into a career. Take some time to read up on potential careers and focus on what you want. By picking the best career for your needs and wants, you can save yourself from years of wasted time on a dead-end career track.

What to Consider When Choosing a Career

Picking out a career path involves some deep thought. As you try to choose a new career, consider all of the following:

Your Passions in Life

Everyone has a passion. While you might not be able to pursue your loves as a career, there's probably a way in which you can incorporate parts of your passion into your occupation.

At times, your passions aren't clear. In this case, it might take some self-assessment for you to proceed. Think about your childhood dreams and the things you enjoy doing. If you have multiple hobbies or interests, write them down and prioritize them. Then, think about how a career could allow you to enjoy those things.

Your Ideal Work Environment

When most people think of a potential career, they don't bother to consider the work environment. While they imagine day-to-day responsibilities, people often forget to think about what they want from the workplace.

Do you want a large workplace, or a small one? Would you prefer to work in teams, or by yourself? As you focus on your wants, take time to think about the values of the company. If a certain career path means you need to compromise your values, change your plans.

Your Ideal Hours

If you're a workaholic, there are plenty of careers that can satisfy your needs to be in the office. But if you're looking for flexibility with your hours, you have fewer options.

As you think about your preferred schedule, plan for the future. For instance, you might have dreams of having several kids. Once you start building your family, you may only want to work a 9-5. Think long-term, or you could end up switching careers.

Tips for Finding the Right Career

There are other ways to make your decision easier. With these tips, you can make sure the career you pick is right for you.

Get Career Counseling

Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and career decisions are often best made with outside help. If you're not sure where you see yourself in the future, a career counselor may be able to advise you.

Career counselors serve multiple purposes, from helping people pick a career to guiding them as they advance in a career. Typically, your experience will start with an assessment test. Your counselor might also have you do an aptitude or IQ test.

After taking the time to know you, a career counselor can suggest a few career options. Be ready to answer questions about yourself and to be honest.

Go to an Informational Interview

An informational interview is an interview that allows you to meet with an employee in the industry you want to enter. Because most people aren't aware of informational interviews, they don't think to ask for one.

Generally, companies are willing to offer informational interviews over the phone or in person. They last about 30 minutes and give you insight into the industry. Unlike a job interview, an informational interview won't require you to answer too many questions or demonstrate why you're a qualified candidate. Instead, you can ask the questions.

Visit a Job Resource Center

If you need some guidance, a job resource center might help. They offer a variety of services, such as job placement assistance and training referrals. While at the resource center, you can learn more about your interests and skills.

To find your local resource center, do a quick internet search. There go by different names, but all have the same purpose - providing guidance to job-seekers.

Browse the Internet

Although this tip might seem obvious, it's worth mentioning. You might not realize how many careers are available to you. For ideas, check job listings on various job boards. If you find any titles that interest you, research the education and skill requirements.

As you find jobs that interest you, make a list of your top prospects. Learn about the daily responsibilities and consider whether or not you need training or certifications.

Find a Mentor

When you narrow down your career choices, start looking for a mentor. You could have someone in your network who's willing to advise you on your new career. If you don't know anyone in your desired career, think of ways you can connect with someone. Social media makes it easy to find prospective mentors.

In addition to helping you get started, a mentor will guide you through your career path. They can prevent you from making missteps along the way, and give you a better chance at success.

Don't Hesitate to Make a Change

The longer you wait to get out of a career that doesn't satisfy you, the harder it will be to make the change. While picking a career shouldn't be a quick decision, it's also one you shouldn't put off.