Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
Trying to decide which career field best suits you and your needs requires time and honest reflection. With so many things to consider, make a list of requirements that will work with your particular situation and desires. Does your desired field require an advanced degree? For example, if you are considering a future in healthcare, is your passion leadership and management? If so, it’s reasonable to pursue an online MHA.
Whatever career path you choose to pursue, you owe it to yourself to take the following tips into consideration and make the best-informed decision that you possibly can.
10 Tips To Figure Out The Next Career Move
- Be flexible and realistic with your expectations
It is nearly impossible to walk into your dream job simply because you decided that was the path you wanted to take. You need to allow themselves time and space to grow and evolve. Life is not static, so it is unrealistic to deny the possibility of unexpected twists and turns along the way. Your career is no different.
- 2. Be self-aware
The main differences between a job and a career are passion and satisfaction. Reflect on your inclinations, those will make you the happiest and where your enjoyment can spill from your professional life to your personal one. If you can tune out the interference of outside opinions and expectations about what you should pursue, you will be amazed at the clarity you will find when you are able to define what you genuinely enjoy doing. It’s no surprise that you excel in things you are passionate about. Don’t discount the importance of being true to yourself.
- Use the tools available to you
Don’t be afraid of utilizing online resources to help you assess your strengths and aptitude. Self-assessment quizzes can help you to identify potential fields you may excel in based on your honest answers. Educate yourself on the function and scope of responsibilities for prospective careers so you know what requirements you need to ascertain.
- Take professional test drives
Look into internships and job shadowing possibilities so you can see firsthand what it would be like to work in a particular field. What better way to know if a career is right for you than by actually doing it short-term before jumping into the proverbial deep end.
- Variety is the spice of life
Be sure to look into a variety of career fields. You will quickly learn which may be a good fit and which areas to avoid.
- Do your homework
Take the time to talk to professionals in your potential field and gain insight into the pros and cons of the career you are considering. This will give you valuable information from reliable sources to help you understand potentially obscure details of the job.
- Do what’s right for you
It is easy to be swayed by outside opinions on what may be the best path for you. Be sure you can separate what you want from what others want for you.
- Research opportunities
Take the time to arm yourself with career statistics and demands. It is difficult to find professional happiness if you are trying to break into a field that has limited opportunities.
- Take baby steps
Know going in that there is nothing wrong with starting with an entry-level position and working your way up to where you want to be. Be patient with yourself and understand the journey is often more important than the destination. As you climb your way up the corporate ladder, you are arming yourself with more experience and knowledge to become an indispensable asset to your company.
- Reflect on past experiences
The best way forward is to draw on previous experiences, Consider what jobs you have already held and outline the aspects you loved and contrast with the areas you did not enjoy.
Make it Happen
Now that you have armed yourself with the information you need to make the best decision for you, pursue the career of your dreams! Remember to be patient and persevere.