Most people spend the majority of their lives at work, and the right profession will make the job more enjoyable, but finding a career can be extremely difficult, especially when it comes to balancing personal fulfillment with financial gain.
For some, a career that comes with wealth is more important than propositions that provide individual enrichment, but individuals need to choose a job that meets their specific life goals and needs. Experts agree that choosing a career one’s passionate about generally leads to happiness.
When picking a career in a growing field, individuals need to take into consideration their personal interests, personalities, and career outlooks.
Personal values, skills, and interests play a vital role in finding a job that best suits the individual, ultimately impacting the career path they choose.
Know Your Interests
Before choosing any career, individuals need to understand their own interests, taking into consideration their financial plans, career aspirations, and interesting job positions. To help narrow down the search for potential employment opportunities, individuals should write down a list of:
- Tasks they are passionate about
- Qualification and skills they have mastered
- Long-term financial goals that could impact their next 20 years
- Lifestyle choices that lead to a job or career
- Potential careers they have dreamed about
For instance, aspiring diesel mechanics should enjoy hands-on work with automotive components and engines. Career aspirations in this industry are plentiful, offering various advancement opportunities for those who hold the proper certifications, and a 2012 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains that diesel mechanics can earn an average annual wage of $42,320.
Get Professional Advice
After making a list of potential career options, individuals should enlist the assistance of a professional career development expert to help them through the process. Students can speak with their counselors, giving them a leg up on what path to take upon graduation.
For those who are no longer in college or are contemplating a career change, reading career advice books and government resources will provide them with additional information to narrow down their search. Individuals can also test their typing and computer knowledge skills at an employment agency, which will offer special insights into their marketability.
Research Your Top Career Options
After obtaining professional guidance, individuals need to take into account the industry’s marketplace for potential employment opportunities. When researching career options, individuals need to research the required skills, main responsibilities, educational requirements, and average salary for each job opportunity. Research should cover the following categories:
- Basic career profile
- Career prospects
- Cost of relocation
- Specific companies
For instance, the BLS provides in-depth employment information for those who are contemplating a career in the diesel mechanic industry. When researching this site, aspiring diesel mechanics will be able to see that the employment outlook for this industry is nine percent, which is as fast as the national average.
Individuals will also see that a high school diploma is the minimum requirement to obtain work in this sector, and earning a degree and special certification will open up many advancement opportunities in the diesel mechanic field.
Abilities and needs change with the passage of time, requiring the reexamination of one’s career every couple of years. Individuals may begin working in one profession and then find themselves dissatisfied with the annual pay and job duties.
Selecting a career consists of different aspects of business knowledge and self-assessment. Individuals who focus on their personal needs and career options will find a position that is financially and creatively fulfilling.