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Little kids have it easy. All they have to do is pipe up about their chosen career in a cute, squeaky voice, and everyone tells them it’s possible.
When you get to be an adult, you don’t automatically get that kind of encouragement. Grownups are far too practical. But you can find the right job without a bunch of hassle.
Follow these top 5 tips for choosing a career and figure out the best path for you.
1. Make A List of What Not To Do
Everyone always starts with their various options. They make a long list of things they could do. Yet sometimes the easiest thing to start with is a list of things you can’t do.
This way you’ll know that you’ve eliminated the most obvious choices. It helps you feel like you’ve already accomplished something, even though you’ve only done a little work. Almost before you’ve begun you’ve figured out options that aren’t open to you, which makes it easier to make a list of possibilities.
Once you’ve made your list of what you can’t do (or careers you’re certain you don’t want), then it’s time to move on to the list of possibilities. This will seem less overwhelming because you’ve provided a focus for yourself.
2. What Should I Do With My Life?
This common question leads to self-discovery. It’s important to make sure you don’t hate the career you choose. Doing a job that you love, or at least love most days, is rewarding and helps you find fulfillment.
There’s something to be said for a job that brings you joy, one that you might do anyway even if no one paid you to do it.
3. Look At The Salary
Some people say that it’s not all about the money. And it’s not.
But it is somewhat about the money. You need to take all these other factors into account, like passions, interests, and skill set. But you also need to support yourself and be able to afford to eat and live somewhere.
Basic budgeting means you have input and output. You need a career that will be able to cover all your monthly expenses without too much stress. Make sure that you know the earning potential for each career choice.
This isn’t just possible income several years down the road. Take into account starting salary, too, because that’s why you’re here and now will look like if you take that job.
4. Paths and Plans
What are the requirements for someone in your chosen career path? Will you have to get another degree? Will you have to pass a certification course?
You have to consider all these prerequisites because they influence how much you will earn at the start and how soon you can begin your dream job. Make sure that if you’re willing to take time to earn the qualifications you need that you have a plan in the meantime.
5. Do You Know What The Job Is?
You may think you know what someone in your chosen career does, but do some interviews before you decide to pursue it. You may find that you’ll spend way more time at a desk dealing with bureaucracy than you want to. Veterans of the field are best because they’ve spent years in the industry you’re considering.
The Best Tips for Choosing A Career
These tips for choosing a career will help you narrow down your choices. Eliminate obvious non-options, examine your passions, and consider your necessary salary.
Make sure you also find out how long it will take you to get to your chosen career and that you’re sure about the type of job you’re pursuing. Then you can go after your dreams.
For more help deciding on the best path for you, follow our blog.
