Some people are lucky enough to realize their dream careers from an early age.
But most people struggle to discover the right career for themselves.
Many people’s careers are constantly evolving along the way.
The place where someone’s career begins is not always where that career will stay and that can be a good thing.
Here are some methods to help you choose the right career.
1. Skills and Interests
A lot of people have been able to turn their hobbies into successful careers. If your hobby is sports, consider a career in coaching.
If drawing is your hobby, consider a career in illustration. Also, think about what you liked doing the most at school.
If math was your thing in school it could lead to a successful career in accounting. If your favorite school subject was history you may do well in a career such as archaeology.
Explore your skills and interest, in finding your dream job.
2. Personality
Figuring out who you really are is a necessary step in choosing the right career.
Your overall personality will shape what career(s) you should consider. Extroverts typically would not want to sit at a desk all day doing accounting work.
Introverts would certainly not want to be a disc jockey at a nightclub or people’s weddings. Legendary psychiatrist Carl Jung’s personality theory inspired the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the world’s most popular personality test.
3. Tests
Identifying your true skills and interests by taking a career aptitude test can give you ideas about what career to consider.
Most online career aptitude tests are free. Your answers in the test will offer you 2 to 3 career ideas.
4. Advice
Get career advice from people who really know you or an expert in a field you want to know more about.
Recently my sister was looking for information about forensic psychology because that is what she wants to do.
Seek career counseling if you have no idea what career you want or you are torn between different careers.
5. Work Environment
To choose the right career, think about how you want the workspace to look and sound.
Some people want a simple office or cubicle. Other people thrive on the excitement and chaos of a busy restaurant.
I am one of those people who really needed to think about the work environment for a suitable career.
I have been physically challenged my entire life. I do not think I could ever handle a full-time work schedule outside the home.
So I have focused on working at home. I have applied for part-time jobs outside the home, but to no avail.
6. Education
In order to choose the right career, you need to take educational requirements into consideration.
Be sure you are willing to make the whole investment.
If you want to be done with college in 4 years, do not study something like psychology or physical therapy.
Traditional college is not for everyone and that is okay.
If you are good with your hands, going to a trade school to become an electrician, mechanic or plumber is a good idea.
These skilled labor jobs are also very well paid.