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Career Confusion!
by Elisa Klein, 12.29.04
The most successful people in the world would probably agree ... it's important to love what you do! |
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Do you remember when you were about six years old and Aunt Marge used to ask you, "What do YOU want to be when you grow up?" The answers back then were so easy! An actor ... an astronaut ... President! But sooner or later, the question got more serious ... and the answers didn't come as quickly! It seems that whether you're just starting high school or about to finish college, the question on everyone's mind (including yours!) is, "What do you want to do with your life?"
Unless you've already signed an NBA contract or are the next big pop singing sensation, making decisions about your future can be pretty overwhelming! But figuring out who you are and what you want to do can actually be a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to get you on track...
Focus on Your Strengths
OK — it's quiz time. Take out a pencil and write down three things that you're good at. Don't be modest ... and no, sleeping doesn't count! Are you the one who always provides a shoulder to cry on? Do you make a mean chili? Can you easily ace an essay exam? Chances are your strengths are also things that you enjoy doing. And, the most successful people in the world would probably agree ... it's important to love what you do!
Now, next to each item, write down some jobs that use those strengths. For example, if you're great in the kitchen, you could pursue a job as a chef, a caterer, or even a nutritionist. Or, if you have a knack for writing, consider journalism, teaching English, or even writing the next great novel!
Livin' the Life
Once you have some ideas about what kind of career would be a good fit, you need to figure out what kind of lifestyle is important to you. Do you think that making money is the most important aspect of a career? Or, do you think that if you're doing something that makes you happy, nothing else matters? For many people, "giving back" to society by choosing a career that helps others is important. So, try making a list of the values that are most important to you and then compare it to your list of jobs to see where there may be overlap
You also need to prioritize what you are willing to do in order to get your dream job. So, if you dream of being a surgeon, you need to be OK with eight years of medical school! And remember, most musicians perform for peanuts for years before being discovered and hitting it big!
Find a Mentor
One of the best ways to find out if you're on the right career track is to spend time with a mentor. A mentor doesn't necessarily have to be in the exact job that you want, but find someone who does something in the field that interests you. Here are some questions that you might ask your mentor:
- What kind of training and/or education does this job require?
- What are the best things about this job? What are the bad parts?
- What would you have done differently in your career path?
- What advice do you have for people who are just starting out?
A good mentor can steer you in the right direction and even help you when it's ultimately time to look for a job.
According to Allie, a 19-year-old childcare provider, "You want to be able to pick your job ... you don't want it to pick you!" Take your time figuring out what will be a satisfying career, and don't be afraid to take some chances. Many people go through several careers before sticking with one that fits, but it's never too early to start thinking about what suits you! |
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