Passion
What do you want to do when you grow up? Do you remember getting asked that question? I remember this and the feeling of not having a clue. I know I wasn’t alone either because my friends felt the same way. I distinctly remember some friends taking certain courses in school because their parents told them to. Others just wanted a high paying job and didn’t seem to care if they liked the job or not. I was always confused by this because I thought the goal was to find a job and be happy.
Choosing a Career
Finding your career shouldn’t be about making a lot of money or chasing someone else’s dream. It’s about finding something that your passionate about and that will make you happy. Remember, you spend more time at work than you do at home! Quitting or getting laid off is the perfect time to think about what you’re really passionate about. Let’s be honest, you’ll have lots of free time…
Research
What do you really want to be doing? There are hundreds of career options out there and figuring out which one is right for you can be stressful. This is actually more difficult than people think and you’ll have to do your homework. Remember to be flexible. Give your self plenty of time to research other careers and even consider going back to school. Changing careers is an important decision and should be well thought out. There is no point of making a career change If you’re not going to like it anymore than your current job.
Career Tests
Before you can make a career choice you have to learn about yourself.
- What do you value?
- What are you interested in?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Questions like these combined with personality tests will narrow down the possible career choices. Self assessment tools or career tests can be surprisingly helpful. These tests gather information and generate a list of suitable jobs for you. There are many free tests that you can find on the Internet.
Start with these:
Going to a job you hate is awful. It’s emotionally and physically draining. Things can change. Taking these tests and getting to know yourself brings you one step closer to a job you will love.
Hobbies
Do you like taking pictures, scrap booking, or being around animals? Looking at hobbies and things you love doing is a great idea. Hobbies are usually things we enjoy but we can’t afford to spend all of our time doing. Well maybe it’s time you take an online photography course and start taking your hobby a little more seriously. What about taking night courses to learn how you can open your own doggie spa? What would you spend your time doing if you didn’t have to worry about money?
Not Happy?
If you hate sitting in that cubicle, answering that phone, or shampooing another person’s carpet, then make a change. Don’t become that disgruntled, unhappy, unhealthy, and negative person. Don’t be afraid to shake things up in your life! Contact me if you want career advice or if you just need a professional to kick your butt into gear and help you make the change.
Photo by: VinceAlongi