Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Career
When you are selecting a career there’s a lot riding on your decision. You want to pick an occupation in which you can be successful for many years to come. While you can change careers, doing so can be effortful. It is easier if you don’t have to do it too often. That means you should pick something that is not only suitable for you, but also can support you financially far into the future. Increase your chances of making a good decision by avoiding these very common mistakes.
1. Listening to People Who Tell You That You Should, or Should Not, Do Something:
Many people think they should have a say in what career you choose—your parents, your friends, your significant other. They don’t. In most cases, your decision will have little impact on the other people in your life. You, however, will have to deal with your choice for years to come. Make sure the career you choose is something you want to spend your day doing.
2. Following in Someone Else’ s Footsteps:
You may be haunted by your parents’ expectations to go into the same occupation they are in. You may know it as the one that helped put food in your mouth, kept a roof over your head and even paid your way through school. As hard is it is to do, ignore the pressure you may feel to please your mom and dad. Remember, and if necessary, remind your parents, that they made their own choices and now it’s your turn. What was right for them may not be for you. In the long run, there’s a good chance they’d rather see you happy in a career of your own choosing than unhappy in one you picked to please them.
3. Not Doing Your Homework:
Don’t choose a career without taking the time to learn about it. In addition to a job description, you should make sure to gather information about typical job duties, educational requirements, earnings and job outlook.
4. Not Talking to Those in the Know:
Your homework isn’t complete if you skip talking to someone who currently works in the career field you are considering. Those who are engaged in an occupation can provide you with a truthful account of what it’s really like to work in it. If possible talk to a few people to avoid individual biases.
5. Going for the Money, Honey:
Bringing home a paycheck is important, but the size of it isn’t actually a great predictor of job satisfaction. In other words, you can make six figures but if you hate what you’re doing you’ll find it hard to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Look for a balance between making enough money to support yourself and work that fulfills you.