We are not all fortunate enough to be on the right career path. Many people have found themselves in a job that they don’t particularly enjoy, but they stay in the position out of necessity. Often it’s not a lack of effort but more so on not spending time to to find out what makes us more satisfied on our career path. If you identify with this, and are at career crossroads or still trying to work out what career path you should be on, we have some tips for you.
Consider what excites you.
If your current job fills you with dread or little sense of passion, focus on looking for something that does make you get out of bed in the morning. In short, what is it that you love to do? If music is your thing, you may be able to make it as a freelance musician. Enjoy writing? As well as getting back to that novel you have been meaning to write, consider a career in journalism or copywriting. Big fan of the movies? Study at a film school and get to a point where you can actually make films, instead of scrolling through them on your Netflix list. Life is too short to be stuck in a career you hate, so find that thing that stirs your passion.
Consider what is important to you.
For many people, the driving force behind any job is money. And let’s be honest, we could all do with a bigger portion in our bank accounts. However, there are thousands of people in high-flying careers who are unhappy, despite the size of their pay packets. Singer Elton John once said he still feels a hole in his life, despite the fortune nestling in his bank. So think about something other than money. For you, a job in the caring career could be the thing, something that offers you personal rewards. Nursing is one example, achievable through an online RN to BSN Program. Or what about teaching, veterinary work, or something charitable? On the other hand, you may not care what job it is, provided you have time to spend with your family. Working long hours clearly isn’t for everybody. So what do you want from a job? Figure it out and pursue something relevant to you.
Take a careers test.
To narrow down your search further, take a career aptitude test. This is especially useful if you are still sitting on the fence about what career path to take. The test in our link takes your skills and interests into account, as well as expected salary paths from a variety of (hopefully) suitable jobs. Don’t take the test as gospel truth – you may still uncover a career that doesn’t take your fancy – but it does give you an idea of where your strengths may lie, and the kind of job that that you may have an interest in.
Do voluntary work.
Okay, so you won’t get paid, but you will learn more about yourself and the skills you possess. By working for free and getting some valuable experience, you may find something that becomes a passion you are driven to follow into a career. Look at the voluntary sector in your locale and give something a go. It might be helping the homeless, working with a conservation group, helping out at a local school, doing something with the elderly… so many options and you may just find your next career idea in the process.
Finally
Don’t stay in a career you hate and don’t spend too much dithering about what you want to do with your life. Time will pass and you will still be stuck in the same position. Follow our advice, visit your local career office, and steer yourself on the right path. We hope everything works out well for you.