10 answers
Sam
Student
Ellicott City, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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How do I know which career is right for me?
How do I know which career is right for me?
I’ve always been torn between choosing a job that i’m a good at, a job i’d enjoy or a job that makes good money.
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10 answers
Niki Phillips
Senior Director, Sales
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Niki’s Answer
Start by outlining the traits that define your ideal job - perhaps independence, a balanced lifestyle, or intellectual stimulation. Be genuine and clear about what drives you. What ignites your passion? When do you feel most vibrant and engaged at work? When do you feel truly content, knowing you've made a difference? Explore beyond the conventional career paths and don't confine yourself to traditional roles.
In an ideal scenario, you would strike a balance between a job you love and one that provides a good income. However, remember that money should not be the primary factor in choosing your career. There are countless individuals who earn a high income yet are unhappy in their daily lives, eagerly watching the clock until their workday ends.
Staying in a job you dislike can feel like a never-ending ordeal. If you're temporarily compromising your enjoyment for a job you're not fond of, it's crucial to have a plan to move on. While not every job will bring joy every day, patience and learning from each experience can set you up for a wealth of opportunities in the future.
In an ideal scenario, you would strike a balance between a job you love and one that provides a good income. However, remember that money should not be the primary factor in choosing your career. There are countless individuals who earn a high income yet are unhappy in their daily lives, eagerly watching the clock until their workday ends.
Staying in a job you dislike can feel like a never-ending ordeal. If you're temporarily compromising your enjoyment for a job you're not fond of, it's crucial to have a plan to move on. While not every job will bring joy every day, patience and learning from each experience can set you up for a wealth of opportunities in the future.
Terrell Dinkins, MBA, ChFC®, RICP®
Investment Advisor
26
Answers
Jonesboro
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
I am finding a lot of young people start out chasing the dollar and job hoping quite a bit during the earlier part of their career. They remain on a job because it pays well. Sometimes, this can work to your advantage because it gives you the opportunity to build up a nice nest egg and the courage to pursue a career that lights a fire in you. So, find out what you're good at then find a company that will pay you top dollar for your skills. Creating harmony between work and your passion is key to longevity in your career.
Matthew Forlenza
15
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
While perusing a career that will lead to a comfortable life style is always good; a major part of staying in a career is how much enjoyment does it give you; if you are struggling with a work/life balance or are not happy with your career this could be harmful to you health and personal relationships. You have to find something that makes money but also energizes you and makes you somewhat happy at the end of the day
Madisyn Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madisyn’s Answer
Hi Sam,
You're definitely not alone in this situation. A lot of people grapple with this very same challenge. At the end of the day, it's all about what makes you happy and fulfilled. There's a great chance that you can discover a profession that not only brings you joy but also provides a comfortable lifestyle. Alternatively, you might stumble upon a high-paying job that isn't necessarily your dream job while you continue to pursue your passion in your free time.
In my opinion, it's important to keep doing what you love, regardless of whether it's part of your job or something you do on the side. Life is too short to stop doing the things that bring you joy!
You're definitely not alone in this situation. A lot of people grapple with this very same challenge. At the end of the day, it's all about what makes you happy and fulfilled. There's a great chance that you can discover a profession that not only brings you joy but also provides a comfortable lifestyle. Alternatively, you might stumble upon a high-paying job that isn't necessarily your dream job while you continue to pursue your passion in your free time.
In my opinion, it's important to keep doing what you love, regardless of whether it's part of your job or something you do on the side. Life is too short to stop doing the things that bring you joy!
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I get where you're coming from. Back in the day, I had similar thoughts. For me, it boiled down to a mix of what I was skilled at, what I enjoyed, and what could provide for my family. It's all about finding that balance that works for you and your goals.
Enoch Envorh
1
Answer
Updated
Enoch’s Answer
I want to thank you for this very good and incisive question raised. The question is timely and on point.
Regarding your concern, a Christian philosopher Aristotle once said that the highest good in life is happiness. In all our good and what we know best its geared towards happiness, if the happiness is not there in what you want to do don’t go into it.
However, choosing a career and fulfilling the purpose of your career choice is another thing. When you chose a carrier, you must ask yourself some pertinent questions like
a. What are my visions and aspirations?
b. What are my yearnings?
c. What is the purpose of choosing such a career path?
d. Does your career have a walking mat?
e. Do you have the passion, desires, and flares for such a career?
f. Have you consulted others who have succeeded in such a career?
In knowing the right career, you need to take the following into consideration.
h. Always be inquisitive on and ask question to know how people excel through their career.
i. Develop an industrious habitual nature to success.
j. Be ready and open to learn new things from people you admire.
k. Locate people you can confide on.
l. Be courageous and have a big mental picture of your career.
m. Never despise little beginning.
n. Read people’s stories and how they made it via career.
o. Always prioritize your daily activities
I hope this will make meaning to you. Best wishes
Regarding your concern, a Christian philosopher Aristotle once said that the highest good in life is happiness. In all our good and what we know best its geared towards happiness, if the happiness is not there in what you want to do don’t go into it.
However, choosing a career and fulfilling the purpose of your career choice is another thing. When you chose a carrier, you must ask yourself some pertinent questions like
a. What are my visions and aspirations?
b. What are my yearnings?
c. What is the purpose of choosing such a career path?
d. Does your career have a walking mat?
e. Do you have the passion, desires, and flares for such a career?
f. Have you consulted others who have succeeded in such a career?
In knowing the right career, you need to take the following into consideration.
h. Always be inquisitive on and ask question to know how people excel through their career.
i. Develop an industrious habitual nature to success.
j. Be ready and open to learn new things from people you admire.
k. Locate people you can confide on.
l. Be courageous and have a big mental picture of your career.
m. Never despise little beginning.
n. Read people’s stories and how they made it via career.
o. Always prioritize your daily activities
I hope this will make meaning to you. Best wishes
Chase Levine
Video Editor, Graphic Designer, CG Artist, Web Developer
1
Answer
West Hollywood, California
Updated
Chase’s Answer
Make a list of things you enjoy. This list can be anything from video games to quilting to fitness etc. Take this list and see how many careers you could make out of these hobbies. This will be your map for all the possibilities of things you might enjoy as a career.
Hone your skills and pay attention to how much you enjoy it. I.E. when you play video games, do you just enjoy the act of playing, or do you find yourself questioning the design of the game or thinking on a deeper level than most usually would?
One of the wisest people I've ever met once said, "Pay attention to what you pay attention to." Simple but effective. Whatever you put the most time into is probably what you'll be most interested in from a career standpoint, especially when long-term happiness is concerned.
Lastly, don't stress to much on choosing one career for the rest of your life. I've done everything from video editing to graphic design to 3D animation, and it was all because I worked hard and paid attention.
Hone your skills and pay attention to how much you enjoy it. I.E. when you play video games, do you just enjoy the act of playing, or do you find yourself questioning the design of the game or thinking on a deeper level than most usually would?
One of the wisest people I've ever met once said, "Pay attention to what you pay attention to." Simple but effective. Whatever you put the most time into is probably what you'll be most interested in from a career standpoint, especially when long-term happiness is concerned.
Lastly, don't stress to much on choosing one career for the rest of your life. I've done everything from video editing to graphic design to 3D animation, and it was all because I worked hard and paid attention.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar problem. I would suggest you to do a career that you have interest first. If the job you have interest, you can do it good and can make good money. Imagine that you have to work on a job 8 - 10 hours a day that you have no interest, it is really a pain.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to an banker, accountant, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers, Seek guidance form your parents, mentor, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to an banker, accountant, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers, Seek guidance form your parents, mentor, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
500
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Certainty is something we all wish we had. I think it all lands with your definition with “right”. Many people go through different careers as the right one today may be quite different in 10 years.
The other crazy thing is that there may be jobs available to you- in the future- that don’t even exist today! Lean into things that make you happy while having a mindset of always learning and growing so you can be ready for anything that comes your way.
The other crazy thing is that there may be jobs available to you- in the future- that don’t even exist today! Lean into things that make you happy while having a mindset of always learning and growing so you can be ready for anything that comes your way.
Gabriela Jordão
HR
7
Answers
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Understanding your future path can be challenging, especially at a young age. But here's the exciting part: you're not restricted to just one career in your life. You have the freedom to choose what feels right for you now, and if in the future you find your interests have shifted, that's perfectly fine.
Remember to take some time for self-reflection, discover what you enjoy doing, what subjects you love to study, and what impact you wish to make in the world. Consider your current opportunities, as well. You might be limited to certain colleges or universities, so it's important to understand what choices are accessible to you and then narrow them down.
Don't be afraid to change your mind. I began my college journey studying business administration, only to discover my passion for psychology. I knew then that it was the right path for me, a belief that has remained strong even after 20 years.
Remember to take some time for self-reflection, discover what you enjoy doing, what subjects you love to study, and what impact you wish to make in the world. Consider your current opportunities, as well. You might be limited to certain colleges or universities, so it's important to understand what choices are accessible to you and then narrow them down.
Don't be afraid to change your mind. I began my college journey studying business administration, only to discover my passion for psychology. I knew then that it was the right path for me, a belief that has remained strong even after 20 years.