The question - how to choose your career path - is undoubtedly a daunting one. And choosing a career that is ideal for you can be extremely tricky, whether you are a working professional who is looking forward to advancing in your career, or somebody who is suddenly out of a job, or a fresher trying to figure what to do once out of college.
How to choose your career path seems confusing and tough, primarily because of the tough competition especially after the COVID crisis, and also because you’ve to spend years of your life, effort, and skills in the next career path you choose.
A handsome salary, perks, an office that is located at a commutable distance are definitely an added advantage. However, if you’re confused about how to choose your career path you need to consider several other aspects of your next job too, for instance:
- healthy working environment
- new challenges
- whether or not you get to learn something new
- if the new job is going to help you maintain a good work-life balance
- Inter-team collaboration and networking opportunities and more
And there’s certainly more to it. If you do not feel passionate about what you do, then it is less likely for you to advance in your career. Let’s find some answers to how to choose your career path next.
1. How to Choose Your Career Path - Based on Interest
The most common slip up you might end up doing while choosing your career path is to check “what is in demand” and “what pays well”, rather than “what is it that I am interested in doing”. This can only lead you to choose the wrong career path. It is better to follow your interest even though it is listed at the end of the top-paying job list, clearly because when you chase your passion you tend to excel in it (seamlessly), and if you love the job you do, there’s no stopping you.
2. How to Choose Your Career Path - Based on Interpersonal Qualities
While analyzing your qualities, pay detailed attention to the manner in which you respond to specific situations. Take time and evaluate yourself. Determine how well you can handle pressure and timelines, and see if you fit better for a managerial position or are you a good team player. The role of a manager in guiding a team is comparable to the role of a team player’s contribution for the success of any project. Never underestimate your abilities.
3. How to Choose Your Career Path - Based on Long-term Interest
Career transition becomes difficult, particularly after you spend a significant amount of time in your first job. It is just not possible to let all the efforts that you have put in to go to waste. Furthermore, changing the career might not sound realistic if there are bills to be paid or a family to be supported. However, this is not the case for all; some of us can actually step back and gage our abilities and interests. Set a deadline to bring about the change. Picking up a job as a temporary fix can be hazardous for your career, as temporary positions become permanent in no time. After a point, this can get terrible as you would be entrapped in a job that you dislike.
4. How to Choose Your Career Path - Based on Education
It goes without saying your education equips you with the basic knowledge and the skillset necessary to accomplishing your career objectives. If you are someone looking out for a change, the first question that you should ask yourself is whether you are well informed about it. In other words, having a degree, prior education, or relevant certification in the career you are planning to move ahead in, will certainly leave you with an advantage over the others.
5. How to Choose Your Career Path - Based on Your Strength
Here’s the next step that is going to help you choose your job. Determining whether you are a promotion-focused or prevention-focused individual is a very important step. A promotion-focused person comes up with creative ideas, works quickly, thinks abstractly and even takes risks. Whereas a prevention-focused person always concentrates on completing the assigned responsibilities, planning and problem anticipation has a better analytical approach and works slowly towards achieving goals and ambitions. Identifying your strengths can work wonders.
Understanding All About Your Current Career Path
People often develop and acquire skills to carve a career that pays well and provides phenomenal growth. However, if you get into a job just for the sake of perks or convenient working hours, it means that you have just got into a job and certainly not a career. One can look out for considerable perks even in one’s career of choice. It is not necessary that chasing your interest can always get you struggling. Before you settle down with a job, jot down your interest as well as the perks and benefits and make a comparison. ANd only when you feel that the perks and benefits are worth pursuing then go for it.
Choose the Career Path Meant For You
Considering any change in life has always been challenging, and changing your career won’t happen overnight. The chances of getting overwhelmed with several steps to bring about the change are very high. However, motivation and commitment can definitely get you where you want. Break down your goals and achieve them bit-by-bit. Picking up a job without proper research can make you end up in a position much worse than before. Take time, learn new skills, volunteer and network before you make the next big move.
