Choosing a career like a big, daunting decision, but it’s also an opportunity to shape your future in a way that works for you. Take a moment to reflect on what truly excites you and consider how it aligns with the lifestyle you want. Instead of letting the pressure weigh you down, use this time to thoughtfully plan your path. Planning ahead can set yourself up for a fulfilling and enjoyable career that matches your vision for success.
1. Start with Self-Reflection
When building a fulfilling career, it's important to find a combination of enjoyable work that also aligns with your values. While the common advice is to "follow your passion," this approach may not resonate with everyone. If you're unsure about what truly qualifies as a passion, don't fret. Instead of striving for an idealistic pursuit, concentrate on creating a straightforward list of tasks or activities that bring you joy and contentment over extended periods of time.
If there are specific tasks or projects you value, such as working outside or helping people, add them to your list. Don't try to be too specific at this point. Simply jot down as many things as you can think of that you value and enjoy without trying to connect them to any specific career path.
2. Create a List of Priorities
Your interests, values, and priorities all play a crucial role in shaping your life. Consider what matters most to you. Would you prefer working from home to spend more time with family? Is frequent traveling a priority for you? Furthermore, assess the significance of financial stability. Create a second list of your top priorities, which will complement your interests and values when exploring career options. It's important to be specific about your preferences.
Even if you have a strong interest in something, you may not wish to dedicate a full 40 hours per week to it. Instead, you might appreciate an opportunity that allows for 20 hours per week while still keeping you engaged. Keep in mind that everyone's ideal work-life balance varies, so finding a career that not only meets your needs but also brings fulfillment is of utmost importance.
3. Research Your Options
This is the time to start taking note of careers that interest you. Remember that your goal is to find something that you're interested in, that aligns with your values, and that fits into your broader life plan and priorities.
Among helpful resources to give you more information about potential careers is the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, specifically the occupational outlook handbook, where you can learn more about the pay, educational requirements, competitiveness, and outlook of different careers. If you find you're getting stuck and don't know where to start, free career quizzes can also be useful in helping to generate ideas. If you want professional guidance, a career coach is another great resource to consider.
Starting With Broader Industries
At this point, you'll be looking for more general career paths rather than individual jobs. Treat this as a brainstorming session and start with broadly defined categories. You can go over them with a more critical eye during the narrowing-down phase of finding a career.
4. Narrow Down Your Interests
Now it's time to discover some specific positions you're interested in. Narrow down your broad research into job-specific listings or companies and organizations that grab your interest. However, remember that you're still in the exploratory phase. Treat this process more as a chance to get the lay of the land than a time to actually apply for anything.
Make sure to pay special attention to the following:
- Job descriptions including location, salary, and benefits
- Educational, training, or licensing requirements
- Reviews from others who've worked in similar positions and/or any educational resources about the job type available online
You can use job posting boards as a starting point to begin comparing career options. Depending on the specific areas that interest you, you might also be able to join online groups on social media where you can start to connect with professionals in the industry and get a feel for their experiences in working life. If possible, conducting informational interviews with professionals in your potential careers can be extremely beneficial.
Keeping Your Priorities in Mind
At this point, you may begin to get excited about the potential for earning money or participating in a career that excites you. While enthusiasm is great, now is a good time to return to your list of priorities and see how they align with the jobs you're considering.
Think about the big changes you'll need to make should you choose a certain career. Having to move, pursue higher education, or dedicate large amounts of time to an entry-level position for a chance of moving up are all big decisions that should not be made lightly. However, these can all be worth it, as long as you're not sacrificing any top priorities from your list.
5. Map Out the Scope of Your Career
Remember that a career choice goes far beyond landing a single job. Education, job changes, and promotions may all be part of your journey. Think about what you want to accomplish in the short term and long term. You don't have to get too specific but writing down your goals and the steps you'll need to take to accomplish them will help.
Finding a career that's a good fit is about putting some time and effort into self-reflection. The better you know yourself, your goals, and your priorities, the better you'll be able to plan for the most fulfilling future possible.
