Only 5% of people land on the right career at their first try. This is evident from a research study conducted by Neil Howe, a senior economist and an associate at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. In his report, Howe, also pointed out that choosing the right career is the ultimate way to secure one’s future. However, since some occupations are more lucrative than others, knowing your interests, goals, and dreams will help you pursue a career that will not only help you secure your finances, but also bring career satisfaction: doing what you love brings you joy and success. Picking the right career is never a walk in the park, but it's never too late to start. The bureau of labour statistics revealed that 312,000 jobs are pumped into the economy annually, so how can you use that to help you find your dream job?
Consider Your Passion
Career satisfaction is something personal. We all want different things out of our careers, so what could be an ideal job for someone else might not be the best career path for you. For instance, if you have a passion for numbers, you might consider careers like accountancy, actuary or financial management, which relate to what you love. Your job is going to be more enjoyable if it meets your specific requirements. Take time to discover what lights your fire, and this will help you narrow down to the ideal profession for you. Some of the factors you should take into account are your ambitions, the skills you have, your personality and the values you hold dear.
Evaluate Your Financial Ambitions
Earning a living is one of the most important reasons to go to work, and choosing the right career could be the difference between making a lot of money and living from hand to mouth. Investing in your education is an essential step in your ambition to earn more money. A study done by the economic policy institute showed that college graduates earn 56% more than high school graduates. The relationships built during the education process are also valuable for network building and fostering a supportive community. People with more social connections live 3.7 years longer than people with fewer social connections, and it's important to aim for happiness as well as financial success. Being happy with who you are and where you are in your life will allow you the confidence and motivation to search for that dream career.
Keep An Open Mind
Undoubtedly, you will not be the “same person” you are now in 30 years’ time. Your priorities will have changed, as well as your attitude and your approach to certain things. We never stop growing; you are going to keep learning things about yourself that you do not know today. The secret to a more satisfying life is to enjoy the process: do not put too much pressure on yourself. Therefore, when choosing a career, consider this fact. With an open mind, the probability of you taking on a new challenge, whether career-wise or in your personal life, is high. Opportunities arise in all sorts of places, and it takes an open-minded person to grab them and make the best of them. Open-minded people view everyone the same way, without preconceived bias. When you apply this to a career, you might find the most satisfying career in a field that you never thought you would enjoy.
Upon retirement, you are going to look back, assess the life you lived, the opportunities you missed or passed, and the milestones you achieved as a result of your determination and resilience. Take a moment to make the right career decision and enjoy every moment of the journey of life.