Estimated reading time: 2 mins
When it comes to choosing what career is right for you, it’s not an easy decision to make. Luckily there is loads of information out there to help you, and whether it’s a career in hard rock drilling or something in finance, you’ll be able to find out what is right for you. You need to start with the obvious and look at what skills you have, the natural aptitudes and the ones you have developed through training and education.
Then, of course, you want a career that you will enjoy, so it’s essential to think about the kind of lifestyle you want, what are your beliefs? And what kind of company would you want to work for? While your choice of career might be constrained by finances or geography, family responsibilities or your qualifications; for example, if you decide that you would like to work on a safari then you’re going to have to move somewhere you can do that, however, at least if you can work out what it is you want to do. The field you want to be in then you are somewhat closer.
Start by asking yourself some key questions.
What do you enjoy? Do you like meeting new people, or would you instead work alone?
Do you like getting creative? Can you work well under pressure? Are you better when you have to work toward a deadline? Do you like having targets to work toward? Is your day all about fresh air and movement, or do you live for the perfect computer workstation and online peers?
What do you do well?
What do people tell you you’re good at or tell you you could be when you’re just your natural self? Are you a natural salesperson? Can you lead people and motivate them even during challenging times? Do you like public speaking? Can you do presentations? Or are you more of a computer whizz and someone who loves a spreadsheet and numbers?
Could you have your own business? If so, what in? Is there a demand for it? Are there other businesses similar? Places you could go and work for a while and learn about the trade or industry?
Talk To ExpertsÂ
If you can get even an inkling of what you want, then start speaking to people who are already in the field. If you don’t know anyone, then you can find people easily on Linkedin or search the web for podcasts or talks that you could listen to. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with people and ask for their advice. It flatters them, to begin with, that you see them as an expert and want their advice so you might be surprised how many people get back to you and want to help. Plus people love talking about themselves, so give them the opportunity, pick their brains, and if you make a good impression, you never know where it may lead. This is one of the best ways to find out if a career is right for you if it’s not, then at least you know and you can move on and find something else.
