Some people seem to know exactly what career they want from the time they’re in diapers! They pursue a career and find rich satisfaction. But I’d say that’s less than 10% of us. The rest of us have to figure it out at some point.
It would be great if as young people, we were taught how to really determine the perfect career for ourselves. One of the most common thinking amongst millennials nowadays is that a job that offers a huge wage and benefits and is a good career. Many of us have already spent decades in careers that we chose simply because they had the potential to pay well. Although the monetary aspect is a great influencer in choosing a career, it shouldn’t be the only criteria.
But no matter where you are, it’s never too late to change course and find the career path that will help you flourish fully. A career path that not only addresses the financial gains, but highlights your strengths as a person will be more rewarding in the long run.
Start by recognizing your passions. Your passions and values are telling you who you are in life. It will help you figure out what you want to do in life. Once you’ve identified your strengths, passions and what you really enjoy doing, that’s where you’ll be the most successful at, applying your strengths.
In my experience, the only way to really know if a career is right for you is to try it out in some form. I wish job or career descriptions could come with a warning label as on a prescription bottle listing all the hidden side effects of that career! But they don’t. You’ll only find out if the occupation is full of people who aren’t compatible with you or the hours are too ridiculously long or the work too repetitive by testing the waters.
So whether it’s becoming an apprentice or taking a temp job in that occupation, see if you can get your feet wet before jumping in totally.
If you really follow your passion and honor your values, the emotional ups and downs that come with any lifelong pursuit will seem minor and totally manageable. A successful career means loving what you do, being happy, and more importantly flourishing in it.