Irma
What advice do you have for someone who is worried that they won't end up liking their career?
I'm worried that after all of my schooling, when it comes down to actually working, I might not like the career that I have worked so hard to get. I want to make sure that I have a job that makes me happy, not just one that supplies me with a paycheck. #advice #worried #nervous
4 answers
Robert Calobrisi
Robert’s Answer
Hi Irma, it is estimated we will change careers 7 times before we leave the workforce, according to my company's HR department. As long as you find your work challenging, influential, meaningful, beneficial and rewarding, with room to learn and grow, I believe you can be happy, if not satisfied in your job.
Tyler Reams
Tyler’s Answer
Hello Irma!
I think you're going to find that this is something everyone faces at some point, you're taking a big step in your life and it's natural to be nervous that it won't be everything you thought it would be. I can say that I've also gone through a similar situation, I was applying for jobs after school and ended up in a field that was a bit different than I expected. What I've learned is that enjoying what you do has a lot to do with your personal outlook and what you value, personally I find it very fulfilling to do everything to the best of my ability and to always deliver quality work. This is easily applicable to various career paths, I think that it would really help you to step back and ask yourself what makes you feel fulfilled - because it can come from various sources.
Maia Adams
Maia’s Answer
Hi Irma,
That's a great question! First off I think you'd benefit from writing down all of the things you're passionate about and the things you like/have interests in/ and excel at. Beyond concrete activities, I'd write down personality preferences and skills you may have (ex. analytical, athletic, attentive) and see if those traits are valuable in your prospective profession. I would make sure that your passions are in alignment with the career path that you'd like to do, because ultimately that is what will make you the happiest.
Hope this helps!
Maia recommends the following next steps:
Wayne Kung
Wayne’s Answer
To add to everyone else's answers, I would say this - don't be afraid to try things out. Some of the best experiences come from things you might not have thought you'd enjoy or be passionate about. I would agree with the suggestion of making a list of the things you're currently passionate about now, but at the same time, don't get discouraged if you can't find that "perfect" opportunity right out of the gate.
Experience as many different fields as you can, get that well-rounded knowledge base, build as big and vast a network as you can, and who knows? That list that you start now might evolve into something completely different a few years down the road!
Hope that helps!