The Biggest Choice of Your Life? Get It Right


by Amber C. Smith - Date: 2006-12-19 - Word Count: 369 Share This!

Most people will have 8 different careers during their lifetime. Sounds like a huge number, right? Maybe it is, but often we become bored with following the same path for thirty or forty years. Realize that even if you choose a career now, you can change it later if it doesn't work out.

Would You Enjoy It?

Don't just think about money when choosing a career. Money is great, but it's certainly not everything. Some of the people who make the most money die early, because of a stress-induced heart attack.

Instead, consider whether or not you would enjoy the job. If you love being around people, don't choose a job where you're stuck in a cubicle alone all day. You earning power might go up, but your happiness might decrease.

Are You Good At It?

I know the American Dream is that you can be anything you want to be, but that's just not true. I could not be a professional athlete - I hate running laps and getting up at the crack of dawn. Consider your talents as you consider a profession.

What are you good at? Could you deal with the daily pressures of the job? Would the job be stimulating enough to hold your attention? If you're not sure about your talents, ask those who know you best. They probably know what you're good at as well as or better than you do.

Will It Pay Enough?

Money is a consideration when choosing a career. If you are accustomed to a fancy lifestyle, you need to consider whether or not you can handle living on a teacher's salary. If you're the primary bread winner in the home, how will a career change affect the family? What does your spouse think?

Use Your Resources

Talk to your school's career counselors. Take a job assessment test. Talk to those who know you best. Shadow workers in the careers you are considering.

Relax

Of course, choosing a profession is a big deal, but relax a little. Realize that even if you don't like the profession you choose, you can change later, but make an educated decision by assessing your interest, talents, and needs.

When You're Choosing a Career, Consider This

Would you enjoy it?

Are you good at it?

Will it pay enough?

Use Your Resources

Relax


Related Tags: online degree programs, campus degree programs, online degrees, career learning center

Review more industry related articles by Amber Smith at www.CareersandEducation.com. Amber Smith is a CareersandEducation.com feature writer that often covers topics relating to Campus and Online Degree Programs and Career Planning.

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