3 answers
Lauren
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What different aspects are important to look at while looking for a career you are passionate about?
I have been struggling to find a good fitting field to go into. Should I look at things like my hobbies or daily life, or should I try something new?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Finding the right career requires deep self-reflection, and to basically identify activities you would do even if you weren't paid for them.
I strongly advocate for a philosophy where passion and genuine interest drive career choices, suggesting that when you love your work, high performance and eventual compensation will naturally follow.
The following are some suggestions, which include:
Find Your "Internal Drive" by asking yourself: "What do I love to do so much that I would do it anyway, even without pay?".
Maintain a Learning Mindset: I believe that it is a current life element to never feel "stuck" in a choice. A mindset of continuous learning and the willingness to pivot if you discover something more engaging is necessary for success
Conduct Thorough Research: Students should utilize college career centers, conduct informational interviews with professionals, and seek practical experience through internships or volunteering before fully committing to a path.
Evaluate Daily Satisfaction: Rather than just focusing on long-term goals, reflect on whether a typical workday brings joy and energy or feels like just "reaching expected milestones".
The "First-In, Last-Out" Rule: I would define a perfect job as one where you are excited enough to be the first in the office every morning and the last to leave in the evening.
I strongly advocate for a philosophy where passion and genuine interest drive career choices, suggesting that when you love your work, high performance and eventual compensation will naturally follow.
The following are some suggestions, which include:
Find Your "Internal Drive" by asking yourself: "What do I love to do so much that I would do it anyway, even without pay?".
Maintain a Learning Mindset: I believe that it is a current life element to never feel "stuck" in a choice. A mindset of continuous learning and the willingness to pivot if you discover something more engaging is necessary for success
Conduct Thorough Research: Students should utilize college career centers, conduct informational interviews with professionals, and seek practical experience through internships or volunteering before fully committing to a path.
Evaluate Daily Satisfaction: Rather than just focusing on long-term goals, reflect on whether a typical workday brings joy and energy or feels like just "reaching expected milestones".
The "First-In, Last-Out" Rule: I would define a perfect job as one where you are excited enough to be the first in the office every morning and the last to leave in the evening.
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching, arts & entertainment
30
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Lauren!
It’s okay to not know your career path. Many struggle to find what is right for them as well. I went through this when starting my career journey. There are so many to career directions to choose from! Some things to pay attention to while looking for a career you're passionate about are:
1. Your Interests and Hobbies
What you enjoy doing can give you some clues about careers that may be right for you. For example, if you love writing, exploring journalism, content creation, or marketing could make sense.
2. Look at your strengths and skills
What are you good at? Looking at these skills and strengths might point you towards a career where you can confidently use those strengths and skills to thrive. This includes skills in certain subjects or in technical areas (math, programming, music) or soft skills (like communications, problem-solving, leadership).
3. Use your values and goals
What kind of impact do I want to have? What do you care about the most (creativity, financial stability, advocacy)? Answering these questions can help you choose a career path that is meaningful to you.
4. Does it fit your lifestyle?
Some careers demand long hours or may require a lot of travel. You may prefer independent work, standard hours or remote work.
I often recommend personality assessments to get you started with some ideas. They don't mean you won't be successful if you pursue something outside of the results, but it is a good way to start exploring.
High 5 Test: Live up to your full potential: https://high5test.com/personality-test-for-individuals/
Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers’ Personality Type: https://www.humanmetrics.com/personality
Recognize your Career Saboteurs: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/
What Kind of REBEL Are You?: https://www.rebeltalents.org/the-rebel-test
Enneagram Personality: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
It’s okay to not know your career path. Many struggle to find what is right for them as well. I went through this when starting my career journey. There are so many to career directions to choose from! Some things to pay attention to while looking for a career you're passionate about are:
1. Your Interests and Hobbies
What you enjoy doing can give you some clues about careers that may be right for you. For example, if you love writing, exploring journalism, content creation, or marketing could make sense.
2. Look at your strengths and skills
What are you good at? Looking at these skills and strengths might point you towards a career where you can confidently use those strengths and skills to thrive. This includes skills in certain subjects or in technical areas (math, programming, music) or soft skills (like communications, problem-solving, leadership).
3. Use your values and goals
What kind of impact do I want to have? What do you care about the most (creativity, financial stability, advocacy)? Answering these questions can help you choose a career path that is meaningful to you.
4. Does it fit your lifestyle?
Some careers demand long hours or may require a lot of travel. You may prefer independent work, standard hours or remote work.
I often recommend personality assessments to get you started with some ideas. They don't mean you won't be successful if you pursue something outside of the results, but it is a good way to start exploring.
Sharyn, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP
15
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Keep in mind that this isn't a decision set in stone; it can evolve as your career and needs change over time. Consider what you might enjoy doing for 8 hours a day and explore "hot" jobs with plenty of opportunities. Stay open to new possibilities and remember, your path can always adapt and grow!