You want to find a job you love, enjoy Mondays, and feel like you belong, but there’s one problem: You have no idea what you want to do. Sound familiar? Let’s figure out how to choose a profession that will not only bring money but also pleasure.
Or maybe you don’t need to complicate things
Of course, you can refuse to consciously choose a profession and take the path of least resistance:
- repeat the career trajectory of your parents (who, by the way, will help with useful acquaintances);
- choose the university where it is easiest to get into, and then get a job in the specialty where it is hired;
- googling where the highest salaries are;
- turn a part-time job while studying into your main job.
- only one problem: where at least one of these options is you, your real desires and abilities?
Today work is no longer just an occupation that you spend 8 hours 5 days a week (and sometimes much more!). It’s an important part of your personality. It is difficult to give 100% to your work, to give time to your professional development, if you don’t like your job. Sooner or later you will be replaced by someone with burning eyes. So look for something that brings pleasure, and you will save yourself a lot of problems in the future.
The route “Searching for yourself”: how not to go astray?
On the way to the goal the most important thing – is to set the right route.
Dream. Draw in your imagination a picture of the ideal day at work. How and where does it begin? Do you come into the office or work remotely? Do you communicate with people? What responsibilities do you perform and what do you not deal with at all? Two exercises will help.
- Imagine that a job is not a way for you to make a profit. That you are provided for the rest of your life and have all the resources you need to learn, to develop. What would you like to do in that case?
- Imagine that the profession is not just an occupation, but a way of self-realization, and self-expression. What way of life does it provide in that case, what should you do and how much should you earn? What opportunities would you like to discover?
Try new things. If you are not satisfied with the current state of affairs, then you need to open yourself up to something in your life that has not been there yet. Think back to what you’ve wanted to try for a long time. Now is the best time to test something new.
Listen to yourself. Sometimes you need to take a break. For example, go on vacation. Don’t rush yourself – it takes time to understand your desires and needs. And also try to put hobbies, sports, and other activities that you enjoy into your schedule.
Study yourself and your interests. Perhaps you read articles on a certain topic daily, watch videos, or visit exhibitions. Think about it – some interests may evolve into a profession.
Describe your desired career trajectory
Think about what you would like your career to be:
- horizontal (you develop as an expert);
- vertical (you develop as a manager);
- a zigzag path (you develop in different spheres, and you explore related areas).
Next, choose a field and a position that appeals to you. It doesn’t have to be the CEO of your own company. Maybe you see yourself as a head of the department, an expert in a narrow specialization, or, conversely, a specialist in a broad field.
It is important to consider the situation on the market and the demand for the chosen profession. Find out whether the demand exceeds the supply and whether the position will not disappear in the near future due to automation. Only after such an analysis you should start choosing an education so that you don’t buy research paper because you are not interested in the subject or the chosen profession at all.
How do you make sure it’s “the right” job?
Your ideas about a career may be vague or idealized if you are not personally familiar with the field. To avoid disappointment when comparing “expectations” and “reality,” stick to the following tips.
- Learn as much as you can about the field: read books, and feature articles, attend conferences, and follow opinion leaders.
- Talk to a representative of the profession. Such a person will be able to tell you about the pros and cons of the job, the schedule, salaries, possible prospects, etc.
- Try the profession as an intern or volunteer.
