What should my career be?

Do you frequently get into a spot and ask yourself, “What should my career be?” An affirmative reply manifests that you are not by yourself in this quandary.

            You may be still pursuing your studies. You may already be in a job and on the lookout for a career progression. Whatever be your circumstances, the above question is frequently asked. The answer to the vexed question can be found out by first seeking to identify your career objectives, but you need not worry too much in doing so..

Your prospective career

            You will realize that your prospective career is all about discovering yourself. Occasionally, you may find it rather difficult to select the right career, given your qualifications and individual traits and character. Today, people change careers at the drop of a hat. The positive side of these phenomena is that there are institutions and individuals who are competent enough to show you the way forward.

Determining the way forward

When was the last time you asked yourself, “What should my career be?” If it was a year or two ago, it is quite likely that you have been able to settle down in a job of your liking but not as satisfying as perhaps you envisioned. There is no person who is deficient of abilities, and if he makes use of them, the environment becomes joyous and the world more conducive to work in.

Discover yourself

            The maiden step of determining the course your career ought to take is finding out the real you. You may be something inside and something outside. You may be withstanding workplace negativities and still going there despite your promptings to the contrary – these could well be your positive traits but definitely not your typical you, somebody who is waiting to set himself free and give wings to passions. Your flair and inclinations should be the sole guiding factor to get set and move on the correct course. You need to:

·   Discover your true self:     How do you do this? You can delve into your bank of abilities and find out more about your aptitude, capacity and flair; thereafter you can open up with them. Alternatively, you can undergo special tests to discern your penchant; there are many institutions and counselors who do this.   

·   Get to know what you wanted to accomplish:     This is the second step but of great consequence. Having discovered the true you, it is necessary to discern clearly what you seek to do and achieve in life. This is essential to have a stable life and a career that is in conformity with the true you. Some research needs to be indulged in so that bright ideas come out on careers that are best suited for the true you. Career guides can perhaps be of great help to substantiate your findings.   

·   Find out the way to get employed:  Job seekers often get into a trap by opting for a high paying appointment. Money should not be sole guiding factor; if you are able to formulate a scheme of action, there are greater chances that you will reach where you want to be. You should jot down the career you seek and reduce to writing various stages and actions that will be necessary to get into it. In other words, you will need to devise an accomplishment plan.

Identify your career objectives

            It is quite likely that you are fairly clear about your career objectives, but you are unable to attain them in the timeframe that you want. It is advisable that you should list out your career objectives and also draft a plan of action to attain them. If you reduce your thoughts and impressions to writing, the prospects of achieving your objectives increase manifold. Remember that your career is your embodiment and a representation of your personality. It is thus necessary to make certain that your career befits you in all respects. 

The approval & the plunge

            A large majority of people do not look for an approval within themselves as far as their career is concerned. On the contrary, they seek it outside and want validation of their choices from others. But remember that you may want to feel good about your preferences and career path alright, but their approval may become an issue when you want it the most.

            True endorsement ought to come from within you. If you take cognizance of it, you will have a better sense of direction. Your career should be a manifestation of your aspirations, aims and goals – something that you would love doing. Remember that the time you would be spending at work would make up a very large chunk of your life; therefore, it is judgmental correctness to pursue what you love. Finding out what you love doing is also easier said than done; some time-tested tips are:

·   The earlier you decide to take a plunge, the better it will be.

·   Concentrate on whatever you are fond of.

·   Do not attach much significance to the remuneration aspect.

·   Take your time to find a job that you love.

·   Be bold to seek whatever you want.

·    Don’t be afraid to ask for whatever you desire.

·   Anything that is extraneous or beside the point should be looked right through.

The nub of the issue is that the search for a job that will make you happy begins with a question directed at yourself, “What is that I want to do?” The search ends when you accord yourself permission to leave a job which does not bring about the cheer in you that you aspire for.