by Jack Doe
Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " And most of the times the answer is "How should I know? " There are only a few people extremely lucky knowing what the want to do with their lives.
If you’re not sure what to do, here’s a list that might help.
1. Know thyself.
Identify what really interests and excites you. Understand that these traits define you and use it to explore career choices and opportunities. Here is where you have to put a lot of thought. Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " Most of the times it takes decades to identify who we really are. Doing something now later you might descover that you hated it or vice versa. Or maybe there is something out there that if you do it you would really love it. Try as many different things as you can. Is there a possible way to try every single legal job on the planet? Then do it. You might be really good in something but you hate it or you might not be good at all in something else but you really love it. Take advantage of both situations. Use all your abilities or try to descover what abilities are sleeping inside you. It is really hard to identify your self and it takes a lot of time.
2. Take a career assessment test.
There are a lot of career assessment tests available online. Find the time to take one. The test gives you a lot of insights about your core competencies and work preferences. But be careful because those tests are making your personal profile based on some generic questions that were not designed to get to know you as a person. A lot of factors are not included and the result will not be 100% correct. There is no possible way a couple of dozens of questions to figure out who you really are and what you really want. All I am saying is do the test but do not feel restrained to the test's results.
3. Ask others.
It’s actually quite difficult to see yourself as others do. It would be to your advantage to ask friends and family on your traits and skills. Your co-workers are also a good source of information. Knowing how they perceive you, what they like and don’t like about you and what skills or traits need to be changed can be helpful in determining your professional profile.
4. What moves you?
Would you be more interested in status or a six figure salary? Or both? Do you want to make a difference in your community and the world or just on your company’s net worth? What makes you to want to wake up in the morning and go to work?
5. Take charge.
In the ‘80s, when you worked for a large company, you usually could conclude that you would be working there for your entire career. In those days, the corporation drove your career path, advancing as it saw fit.
At the turn of the century, times have changed. In the span of your career, you would probably work for at least five companies. In most cases, you will probably work for more than five. Know which career track you desire, and make sure that track brings you to where you wish to go.
6. Determine the company fit.
With the current emphasis on streamlined and productivity-focused companies, the cultural and company fit are just as important as the professional goals. Consider the values and principles of the company and compare them with your own. It is important that you feel comfortable and fit in with company.
7. Free your mind.
The career path you choose is about change and more change. It includes expansion and new opportunities. All of these changes require a desire to journey and discover, well most of the times not literally.
8. Balance is the key.
A huge amount of time is devoted to your career when you are in your 20s and 30s. When you reach your 40s, your personal life might took a hit and you forgot how important is to you. Find a corporation that will provide you with a balance in your work and your life.
9. Don’t hang around.
If you’re not satisfied with the way your career is going, go do something. Always be in control of your career path to have a satisfying career. Do not fall in the trap staying somewhere because you are feeling secure even if you hate. If it is not for you then change it. Remember we only live once and we will spend our lives working so you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing something that you hate.
No comments:
Post a Comment