Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make. When it comes to deciding what you would like to do for the rest of your life, everyone is different. There are those who have always know what they wanted to be while for others it was a difficult, soul-searching decision. It is not always easy to decide which career should be yours. However, the question always pops up is whether you should choose a career that you are good at and for which you have a natural talent and inclination, or should you choose a career that you are most comfortable with and have the strongest attraction to. Unfortunately, these two career paths are hardly ever one and the same and people are often left to choose between careers that they like and careers at which they excel. In a perfect world, you will never have to choose between these job types. However, until that time comes, we are still left with making the difficult decision. How do you know which career to choose? Here's what you should consider when deciding
Skill Set: If you are good at a job, you would have learned the requisite skills in order to perform the job well. The more skills you possess, the better you will be at your job. Possessing an enviable set of skills can be a desirable quality for employers. Being skillful also means being open to new challenges, and finding solutions to difficult, intricate problems. Whether it's your passion or simply a job you're good at, you will always need skills that allow you to be successful. However, it goes without saying that some skill sets are more difficult to acquire than others. It can take years to gather the skills and knowledge that will allow you to be a competent engineer. However, it may take you fewer years to master flower arranging. You need to ask yourself if are you willing to put in the requisite time in order to gather the knowledge you need. Are you willing to take years of classes, sacrificing your social life in order to be a doctor or engineer even while knowing that the learning doesn't end with your graduation? Knowing how much you are willing to give up will give you a better idea of what your goals should be.
Dependable Income: Whichever job you choose, you would need it to supply you with sufficient income to take care of all your needs. This is why many will advocate for the "safe" route where job seekers take jobs that will provide them with a steady income that is adequate enough for them to live. Whether you go for a safe career or one that tugs at your heart strings, understand that there is a limit to how much money you will earn. Therefore, job hunters must consider with which salary limit are they comfortable. Workers can also choose to supplement their incomes with money from freelance jobs. However this income isn't guaranteed and job seekers must take into the account the extra commitment and time required. Job seekers must also take into account the part that luck plays in finding a place to fit into. Candidates may find themselves unlucky in finding a safe job that does not pay well and vice versa.
Career Longevity: Workers can create longevity for themselves by acquiring an appropriate skill set and building up years of experience. Employers need workers who are masters at their fields and who can handle any task thrown at them. These employees build up tons of credibility over the years making their opinions incredibly valuable. Employees with longevity will enjoy more respect from their colleagues and will likely have a say in major decisions made by the company. These workers are not easily replaced. In addition to this, their stock is now worth a lot and they can likely command a high salary from other would-be employers. The flip side of this, however, is that career longevity can lead to boredom and monotony. These can, in turn, lead to dissatisfaction in the workplace where workers feel as though they are not being challenged. As a result, many decide that they cure for their boredom is a change of environment. Before taking a safe job, job hunters must ask themselves if they would soon be bored with a job they've had for over a decade.
Professional Gratification: There is a lot to be said for the professional gratification one gains from performing a well-liked job. Whether it is the job that pays the bills or the job you consider your "calling", people want to feel that time spent at their jobs is time well spent. If your job is not your calling you may be dogged by feelings of unfulfillment. Feelings of unfulfillment are bothersome especially when you do not have the liberty to leave it at your own will. For example, if you have a family to raise you might be more willing to endure a job that does not leave you personally fulfilled. Therefore, before deciding on a career, everyone should ask themselves how important personal gratification is to them.
Motivation: Can you muster the necessary motivation in order to perform your job at the highest ability? As an employee, you may not always find yourself fully invested in the fate of the company. Working in a job that you don't consider to be your calling can make it extra difficult to become motivated. Many times, employees find themselves going through the motions with no real desire to put their best foot forward. Not surprisingly, it's much easier to remain motivated at a job that you consider you true calling. You become personally invested when you believe that the work you do is important to you. Are you someone who finds it difficult to stay motivated? If so you might want to look for a career in which you have some personal stake.
Finding the perfect job for you is a difficult task. Often, the job that works well for you isn't the one that captures your heart. However, your perfect career can be found by asking the right questions and being honest about the answers.