HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU
Whether you are just starting out in the workforce or are ready for a change in careers, there are a few basic things to consider. They might even sound pretty obvious, but often people don't stop to think of their career as a life choice. They'll take the first job offered to them or continue to stay in a job that they don't enjoy just for a sense of security. But what if you could stop and think about what would make you happy? What job would make you more excited about a Monday than a Friday? Here are a few things to consider when looking for not just the right job for your skillset, but also one that will make you happy.
FIND OUT WHAT YOU LOVE
What makes you feel truly happy? Is it animals, serving others, building things, etc.? Often you'll find that a favorite childhood past-time showed you this a long time ago! Ask yourself, "What makes me feel exhausted but also makes me feel complete?" What could I do for work that didn't always feel like work? If every job paid the same, what would I want to do? Once you can answer that, you are half way to finding a perfect career for you.
TAKE A CAREER APTITUDE TEST
If you are struggling to find what you are passionate about, try taking a career aptitude test. (see link below for some free aptitude tests) Note that whatever answers you get, this is just a test. It does not mean those are your only choices, it is just to help you focus in on certain careers.
PICK OUT YOUR TOP 5 JOB CHOICES
Go ahead and develop a wish list of the jobs you are interested in pursuing. Take a hard look at whether or not you have the skills and education needed. Think about what kind of people you would want to work with. Consider the company you want to join. Research their history, goals, and mission statements. Look at whether they are a charitable company or even something as simple as whether or not they allow pets to come to work. Write those 5 choices down and then get ready to start crossing some of them out.
FIND A MENTOR
More often than not, people are happy to talk about themselves and their experiences. Look for people who do what you want to do and have been successful. Setup a lunch date or an after-work meeting to pick their brains about what they love and hate about their job. LinkedIn is a good resource for finding mentors. Send them a short and concise message about what you are looking for.
STILL NOT SURE? ASK YOURSELF SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS....
If I could try someone else's job for a day, what job would that be and why?
Describe the best job you ever had and why.
Describe the worst job you ever had and why (Was it the job or the people?).
If I could create the perfect job for me, what would it look like? Why would it be so perfect?
Although finding a career that is perfect for you is the ultimate goal, often it has to come in stages of working your way up or getting more education. Don't let that keep you from doing what you know you will love.
FREE CAREER ASSESSMENT TOOLS: We found this site that lists free tests to help you find out what career is right for you. https://careerprocanada.ca/career-exploration-assessments/
M. Page Jones is a published author and award-winning graphic designer who has been in the business for over 26 years primarily as a freelancer. She runs MPJ Creative Services (www.mpagejones.com) that has clients from all over the world.
Contact: Melissa@mpagejones.com
Website: www.mpagejones.com
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