Why did choose the job you have?

Hi Wendy, I wanted to touch on something you said -- "Why you choose to do this one job almost every day for the rest of your life." A job is rarely for "the rest of your life." People not only work around 10-15 jobs in their lifetime, but they'll often change entire industries! Careers are fluid, and just because you select your major or your first job in one field doesn't mean that you are stuck for the rest of your life.

For example, I first started out as an engineering major in school. Then I realized I really didn't like math or logic, so I switched to psychology and for a while, I thought maybe I'd like to do research. Then I decided I really didn't like the nitty-gritty details of research all that much, and that I mostly liked helping people, so I went into social work. And now I found myself in the field of career counseling, which I could never have predicted when I was 17, and I'll probably be somewhere else in a few years that I can't really predict as well. Mainly, I just know I like helping people, but I can do that in a lot of different ways.

As you can see, I think most careers are like the Plinko game--you're bouncing around from one thing to the next and certain experiences (like classes or internships or jobs) will influence what direction you bounce in, but overall, it's a very unpredictable process. I hope this helps change your mindset just a little so that you know that you are always free to "bounce around" however you choose.

If you have a job you love… it’s really not like work.

I have been doing the same job for essentially 30 years, and every day is a blast.

I manage corporate volunteers for a living. I manage employees from my company who go out in the community to volunteer to help organizations like the Red Cross, Junior Achievement, Food Banks, City Parks, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Yosemite National Park. And I get to travel in the United States for work (and fun) 150 days out of the year.

I thoroughly enjoy the work that I do (-- it's not really "work").  And it is awesome representing my company in the community.

I’ve had opportunities to pursue other career choices during my lifetime. But, why? I have a job I truly enjoy. And I have a job that most people would go nuts to have!

I chose my career based on things that interested me. For example, i really liked computers and technology so I chose a career in those fields. Also, keep in mind, that once in a particular career field there are usually many additional options to choose from

Hi Wendy,

When I am making a career decision, I am always considering 2 things which are important to me.

First one is - I have to be passionate about the job (i.e. don't go for a job just because it's e.g. better financially, if you know you'd not like it, or will be bored in it) and second one is that it has to challenge me in some way - i.e. choose a job which is also including areas you're not 100% comfortable with a and can learn a lot from. I decided to go for my current job because I knew I'd learn a lot in it and also bring in sufficient experience to support the team I work with. Also, I am very passionate about pricing overall & its part in digital transformation & influence on company performance so I knew I'd enjoy working my job everyday.

Kind regards,

Zuzana

Hi Wendy,

That is a great question! I have worked as a tax accountant for PwC for 3+ years now and I'm very happy with the decision I made. I originally thought I would follow in my dad's footsteps and land in the finance industry, but after taking several introductory business courses, I found that I had a knack for accounting - and really enjoyed it! I would say if you find what you are passionate about, you'll never feel like you have worked a day in your life! No matter the pay or what any thinks, do what makes you happy. Within PwC, I've worked on a core tax team and a tax consulting specialized team, so the opportunities at a larger firm are endless! Good luck!

I chose my field of study - chartered accounting back home in South Africa - as I knew it would help me develop and build a transferable and much needed skill set, across industries and professions. I enjoyed accounting and business - and knew I wanted the opportunity to travel abroad and this professional would give me the chance. I am now in project management advisory in New York City. I enjoy the project management side of the job as well as the business and accounting insight I am exposed too. It's also a decent paying job - so that's a bonus. The key piece of advice I would leave you with though, is to enjoy and have an interest in whatever it is you choose to do.